Professor Lamberts is an exceptional leader in the UK higher education sector. He is currently President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, and prior to that Vice-Chancellor of the University of York.
Koen has a proven track record in chairing a variety of organisations, and providing strategic guidance during times of change. He currently serves as Chair of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). His involvement with commercial organisations, consumer marketing, as well as his focus on data driven decision-making, will complement the existing skills mix within the Board.
Professor Koen Lamberts said, ‘I’m excited to take up the role of Chair for UCAS. As the higher education sector as a whole experiences financial pressures, regulatory changes, fierce competition, and political uncertainties, I look forward to supporting and challenging UCAS, as an independent, transparent, and trusted organisation, to inform the debate, support student choices, and offer valuable services to universities and colleges.’
Outgoing UCAS Chair, Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, said, ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the seven years as Chair of the Board of Trustees for UCAS, working with fantastic colleagues on the Board, and extremely committed and dedicated UCAS staff. I’m thrilled that we have secured Koen Lamberts as my successor, as his skills are well suited to some of the shared issues being managed by universities and colleges across the UK.’
Clare Marchant, UCAS’ Chief Executive says, ‘We’re delighted to welcome such an experienced higher education leader as Chair of our Board of Trustees. I look forward to working with Koen to shape the future of UCAS, to ensure we’re anticipating and seeking out new opportunities, delivering the best possible service to students and advisers, universities and colleges, and meeting their needs, both today and in coming years.’
Professor Lamberts' appointment will take effect from 1 September 2019.
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Notes for editors
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education. We manage almost three million applications, from around 700,000 people, each year, for full-time undergraduate courses at over 380 universities and colleges across the UK.