The University of Southampton has appointed a new vice-chancellor on a significantly reduced salary,?after criticism of its former leader¡¯s remuneration.

Southampton said on 8 April that Mark Smith, the current vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, when he takes up the post in October.

That is much less than his predecessor, Sir Christopher Snowden, who received a basic salary of ?423,000 in his last full year in office, and stepped down last month.

Sir Christopher¡¯s remuneration, which totalled ?442,000 in 2017-18 once other benefits were counted, had been singled out by Jo Johnson, the former universities minister, as a prime example of excessive levels of executive pay in the higher education sector.

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The appointment is another sign that university governing bodies are taking account of concern about vice-chancellors¡¯ remuneration. Southampton¡¯s announcement coincided with the first day in the office for Ian White, the new vice-chancellor of the University of Bath, on a salary of ?266,000, plus an additional ?37,000 in lieu of pension contributions.

Professor White¡¯s predecessor, Dame Glynis Breakwell, announced her retirement amid criticism of her remuneration package, which totalled ?468,000 ¨C making her the UK¡¯s highest-paid vice-chancellor.

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Professor Smith received a basic salary of ?276,000 from Lancaster last year, and his total remuneration stood at ?340,000. He will be contractually required to live in a property owned by Southampton.

Professor Smith said that it would be a ¡°tremendous privilege¡± to join Southampton.

¡°I am very excited to be joining a university that is so committed in its vision and strategy to achieving dual excellence in its educational offering and research,¡± Professor Smith said.

Philip Greenish, Southampton¡¯s chair of council, said that Professor Smith had a ¡°track record of success¡± and a ¡°deep understanding of the complex environment of higher education¡±.

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¡°More important than that, however, is his approach to leadership which is consensual, inclusive and sensitive to the needs and expectations of the student and staff community,¡± Rear Admiral Greenish said.

The average vice-chancellor¡¯s salary stood at ?253,000 in England in 2017-18, or ?299,000 once pensions and other benefits were added, according to the Office for Students.

nick.mayo@timeshighereducation.com