A NEW VICE CHANCELLOR has been appointed at the University of York.

Professor Charlie Jeffery, currently senior vice-principal at the University of Edinburgh, will take up his new role on September 1.

The University's chair of council, Denise Jagger, who chaired the appointment committee, said he brought with him a 'wealth of strategic experience, evidence of strong vision and leadership, and a clear commitment to York's founding principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, anchored by the highest academic and professional standards.'

She said: "There are many challenges - and opportunities - that lie ahead for the higher education sector in the UK. The Council, and the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, felt unanimously that, in appointing Charlie, we are appointing an inspirational leader who can build on the work of our previous Vice-Chancellor, and ensure that York can respond to the challenges ahead with creativity, innovation and determination."

She added that she was very grateful to Professor Saul Tendler for his leadership in the intervening period since the departure of Professor Koen Lamberts, adding that Professor Tendler would continue as Acting Vice-Chancellor and President until Professor Jeffery's arrival in September.

Prof Jeffery said he was delighted to become York's seventh Vice-Chancellor and President.

"York is a University that stands out for its uncompromising commitment to excellence in both teaching and research, its heritage and record as a University founded to widen participation in higher education, and for the strength of community that links students and staff of all backgrounds in discovering and applying knowledge for public good," he said.

"I am delighted to be joining that community at an exciting time as the University shapes its long-term strategy.

"It has great strengths across its three Faculties. I am looking forward to working with students, staff and alumni to build on those strengths through the creative collaboration across disciplines for which York is renowned, in partnership with like-minded institutions nationally and internationally, and with the support of alumni and friends around an ambitious Campaign for York.

"My family and I are also looking forward to our move to York and to Yorkshire, a part of the country we don't yet know well and are keen to discover more about."

Professor Jeffery has been Professor of Politics at Edinburgh since 2004 and he has had overarching responsibility in external relations, including economic development, widening participation, public affairs and international strategy.

He has played a pivotal role in the development of the £1.3bn Edinburgh City Deal, that included a £237m Government investment in Edinburgh's Data Science programme.