Professor Phoenix will take over LSBU’s leadership on 1 January 2014, following the retirement of present incumbent Martin Earwicker.
David Longbottom, chair of LSBU’s board of governors, said Professor Phoenix would bring a strong background in higher education leadership, which would prove “vital” for realising LSBU’s vision.
Professor Phoenix said: “Like Uclan, London South Bank University has a long and distinguished history for helping people from all walks of life achieve their potential.
“The university has a strong focus on the student experience and employability and I am honoured to have been offered the opportunity to lead the institution into the next phase of its development.”
Professor Phoenix has worked at Uclan for the past 21 years and was appointed dean of science in 2002, overseeing the opening of a new school of pharmacy and the re-launch of chemistry courses among other achievements, before becoming deputy vice-chancellor in 2008.
During his five years in this position he was instrumental in creating Uclan’s first overseas campus in Cyprus and a research institute in China.
Professor Earwicker leaves LSBU after five years as vice-chancellor and chief executive.