Professor Tony Downes is appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Professor Tony Downes

The University is pleased to announce that Professor Tony Downes has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor from 1 August 2011. Professor Downes will take over from Professor Gordon Marshall who leaves the University after almost nine years to take up the post of Director of the Leverhulme Trust. 

Professor Downes has, for the past four years, held the post of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, with responsibility for planning and operational issues throughout the University. This has included the successful merger negotiations to create the Henley Business School which is now one of Europe's leading full-service business schools and the exploration of opportunities for the University to establish an overseas campus.

Professor Downes said; "I am honoured to take up the position as Acting Vice-Chancellor of one of the world's leading universities. Gordon has steered the University through a challenging time in Higher Education and leaves Reading with its reputation further enhanced and with an assured future. 

"I know I am not alone in saying I shall miss his steady presence and sound judgement. The next year will be a testing and pivotal time in higher education, and it will be important to make sure the University does everything necessary to maintain or enhance its position."

Professor Downes began his career as a Lecturer in Law at the University of Durham and as Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa before joining the University of Reading as Reader in European Community Law in 1990. Subsequently, he has held a number of senior positions within the University, including Dean of Faculty and Pro-Vice Chancellor.

The University search for a Vice-Chancellor is underway. An advertisment appeared in the Times Higher Education last Thursday and the candidate brief may be viewed at http://www.odgersberndtson.co.uk/gb/executive-opportunities/opportunity-details/35633/