Tony Downes to retire: University to recruit new Provost for Malaysia

Monday, 08 May 2017

After nearly five years as the Provost and Chief Executive Officer of University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM), Tony Downes has decided to retire from the post next year.

Tony has been the driving force in the development of our Malaysia operations – from its inception almost a decade ago, throughout construction to today being the University’s first full multidisciplinary campus overseas.

The University has engaged Perrett Laver, an international executive search firm, to help with the recruitment of a new Provost of UoRM.

Starting this week, the role will be advertised to potential applicants, with a view to making an appointment later this year. This is to allow time for a planned handover and for the incoming Provost to spend time at our Reading and Malaysia campuses.

The appointment will be overseen by Vincenzo Raimo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) and Chair of the University’s company Board in Malaysia.

He said, “Tony has played a major role in developing the University’s presence in Malaysia leading the campus as its foundation Provost. Tony’s successor will lead the expansion of the campus, growing its student population and the University’s presence and reputation in the region and beyond.” 

Opened in September 2015, the University of Reading Malaysia offers students the ‘best of both worlds’ – an opportunity to gain a UK education in Malaysia. As a 100% owned entity of the University of Reading, it offers a range of programmes at foundation, undergraduate and post graduate level, including the prestigious Henley MBA.

The role of the Provost is a significant academic leadership position, with responsibility for the strategic leadership and operational management of the campus.