UK-based MillionPlus, which represents modern universities, has named Rachel Hewitt as its next chief executive.

Ms Hewitt, currently director of policy and advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), will succeed Greg Walker, who is joining the University of Bolton as pro vice-chancellor for academic strategy. She will take up her new role in August.

Prior to joining Hepi in 2018, Ms Hewitt held a series of roles at the Higher Education Statistics Agency focused on policy and governance. She is also an independent governor at Leeds Beckett University.

Rama Thirunamachandran, chair of MillionPlus and vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, said he was ¡°delighted¡± to appoint Ms Hewitt.

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¡°Her energy, drive and commitment will be a huge asset to MillionPlus and she stood out in a strong field. She brings to the role a wealth of experience of the higher education policy landscape and I know she will articulate a brilliant vision and a strong voice for MillionPlus and modern universities,¡± Professor Thirunamachandran said.

Ms Hewitt said: ¡°I¡¯m excited to be joining MillionPlus at such a crucial time, with the impacts of Covid-19 still weighing heavily and amid a vital conversation on how we can build back better and beyond by levelling up across the country.

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¡°With deep roots in their communities and decades of experience pioneering cutting-edge skills and driving growth and innovation, modern universities must absolutely be at the heart of that conversation.¡±

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com