Universities UK names Vivienne Stern as chief executive

Vivienne Stern has been named the next chief executive of Universities UK.

Ms Stern, currently the director of Universities UK International, will take up the post in September. She will succeed Alistair Jarvis, who has led UUK since 2017 and is leaving next month to join the University of London as pro vice-chancellor for partnerships and governance.

In her new role Ms Stern will lead an organisation that serves as the collective voice for 140 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The appointment caps a 21-year career at Universities UK, during which time she also served as head of political affairs. In her current post, focused on representing UK universities on internationalisation issues and on the global stage, Ms Stern has been credited with playing a key role in the reintroduction of post-study work visas, the creation of the Turing mobility scheme, and the development of the UK’s international education strategy.

Ms Stern, who graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in English literature, was awarded an MBE for services to international education in the New Year’s Honours List 2022.

She said it was “an enormous privilege” to be asked to represent the UK’s universities, which she described as one of the country’s “outstanding strengths”.

“I look forward to working with the president, the board, and all those who work in our universities to ensure that they are equipped to fulfil their potential, nationally and internationally, in education, research and in the many positive ways they contribute to the public good,” Ms Stern said.

Steve West, UUK’s president and vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England, said: “The challenges and opportunities afforded by the current economic, social and political climate mean that UUK needs a chief executive with a strong track record in campaigning, political advocacy, and the ability to connect with a diverse range of stakeholders.

“Vivienne’s skills, experience, sector knowledge and reputation – at home and abroad – more than equip her for this demanding role.”

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com