Dr Pieter Pottas, currently Chief Operating Officer at the University of Southampton Malaysia, has been appointed Interim Director and CEO of UoSM, and will take up his new position on 1 October 2024.
Professor Rebecca Taylor announced she will be stepping down from UoSM in September 2024, after more than six years in the post. Professor Taylor will continue in the position until 30 September and will use the time until she leaves to hand over to Pieter.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr Pieter Pottas said:
“I am honoured to join the University of Southampton Malaysia and deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by UoS with my appointment as Interim CEO of UoSM. I am inheriting a robust and sustainable operation from Professor Taylor and am fortunate to lead an exceptional team in Malaysia, dedicated to furthering Southampton’s legacy of excellence. My primary focus during this tenure will be on driving student enrolment and fostering growth to ensure our continued success.”
Dr Pottas has a background in strategic operations and leadership, business development and sustainability. He is also a registered professional engineer in South Africa, the European Union, and Papua New Guinea, as well as an active member of multiple engineering societies and associations.
His career has been marked by designing and directing projects that emphasize innovative business development and sustainable growth. Dr Pottas’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for UoSM with the University poised to expand its reach and impact, attracting students not only from Malaysia but also from across the ASEAN region and beyond.
Vice-President (Operations) and Chair of the UoSM Board of Directors, Wendy Appleby said:
“I am delighted that Dr Pieter Pottas will take on the role of Interim Director and CEO of UoS Malaysia and very much look forward to working with him. Pieter has extensive expertise in strategic planning, operational management, and international collaboration and I am confident that UoS Malaysia will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership. Pieter will visit the UK in September to meet key contacts here.”