THE man chosen to lead York St John University into the next decade has been revealed as Professor David Fleming, the current deputy vice chancellor of Sunderland University.

As the current vice chancellor at St John, Professor Dianne Willcocks CBE, prepares to step down from the position in April next year, her successor said he is looking forward to taking up his new role in June, and intends to build on the good foundations laid by Prof Willcocks.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining such a talented and committed community of staff and students at York St John. The University has achieved so much over the last few years under the remarkable leadership of Dianne Willcocks and I am looking forward to working with others to build on that foundation.

“The context in which we are operating as a sector is complex and uncertain, but I believe the University is in a very good position to meet those challenges with great confidence and capability.”

Previously, the-father-of-two held the position of dean of school at Northumbria University and senior lecturer and principal lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. Before entering education he worked in professional practice in the commercial sector.

He holds a first degree in urban land economics, a postgraduate diploma, an MBA and a doctorate of business administration. He is also a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Robin Hall, chair of governors and pro chancellor at York St John University, said he was “very excited by this appointment.”

“Professor David Fleming possesses that invaluable combination of vision with a proven record of strategic management developed from many years experience in academic and commercial sectors,” he said.

“These attributes will bring significant benefits to this University as it works towards fulfilling its ambitions.”

Dianne Willcocks, who has been vice chancellor since 1999, said: “York St John has secured an impressive new Vice Chancellor in the person of Professor David Fleming. I am certain that David’s experience and skills will provide excellent leadership for the University – and for the wider community.”