Succession planning for its next Vice-Chancellor gets underway.
Date: 25 January 2018
London Metropolitan University is starting the process to find a successor to Professor John Raftery, the University’s Vice-Chancellor.
Mark Anderson, Chair of London Met’s Board of Governors, said: “John Raftery and I have been discussing succession planning for some time and so we have been able to carefully consider the next stages of development of our strategic plan accordingly.
“I’d like to thank John for the outstanding job he’s done since joining London Met in 2014.
“Our NSS scores have increased by 8%, our graduate employment rate by 10%, and the number of our graduates that go into highly skilled jobs has risen by more than 26%, overtaking 45 other universities. In addition, he has led the institution to a much stronger financial position and brought costs under control with no borrowings and healthy cash reserves now available for investment.
“John has brought considerable global experience both within the Higher Education sector and in other sectors, as well as notable business acumen. He will be a tough act to follow, but we have a well thought-out transition plan in place and I am confident that we will find the right individual to lead us as we enter the exciting next phase of our journey.”
Commenting on his tenure as Vice-Chancellor and his plans for the future Professor Raftery said: “I am hugely proud of everything that’s been achieved during my time at the London Met. With the support of our dedicated and passionate staff and students we’ve overseen a range of positive changes and are close to achieving the ambitious targets we set ourselves shortly after I joined in 2014. Seeing students make transformational changes to their lives – supported and empowered by London Met – is inspiring and I am grateful to have played a role in an institution that contributes so much to social mobility and the community.
“I had a five-year plan when I was appointed Vice-Chancellor and having met those milestones I feel now is the right time to pass the baton to someone else. I will provide the Board with all the help they need in the coming months as they search for my successor.”
Since joining London Met, Professor Raftery has led work to establish new international post-graduate scholarships for Sri Lanka, Nepal and the USA. He has also expanded the University’s partnerships in Moscow, Germany and Nepal, drawing on his international experience in academia and business, having previously worked in Europe, the USA and Asia. Once a successor is appointed, he plans to work in academia and Higher Education leadership roles in the USA, UK and internationally, while dedicating more time to charitable causes.
The University will engage a recruitment consultant to support the search for a new Vice-Chancellor. Staff, students and alumni will be consulted and the Board hope to make an appointment by June 2018.
