University of Sunderland strengthens leadership

The University of Sunderland has strengthened its board of governors with a diverse series of appointments from education, healthcare, business and public service.

New independent governors include Professor Gavin Brooks, Debra Leeves and Catherine Winfield, all starting in August, with Professor Trevor McMillan joining in October. 

Alison Harkness has also been appointed as professional services staff representative from August 2025, while Adewunmi Adeoye and Suraj Acharya have been appointed as student representatives. 

Finally, councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, joins as the local authority representative.

Debra, who graduated for Sunderland in 1984 with a pharmacy degree and built an international career at GSK, Pfizer and Merck before leading four biotech and med-tech start-ups as chief executive, said: “As an alumnus of the University I want to support the executive team to ensure their objectives and aims for the University are realised.”

Professor Brooks added: “As a new member of the board, I am looking forward to being able to help influence the future strategy and direction of the University and to ensuring that the Institution continues to support its students and staff strongly and to contribute positively to the success and wellbeing of the communities that it serves across the North East and beyond.”

Mark Burdon, who will take over as chair of the board of governors on August 1, succeeding outgoing chair Farooq Hakim, added: “We are delighted to welcome such a highly experienced and committed group of individuals to the board.

“Their collective knowledge and leadership across higher education, industry, finance, healthcare and local government will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our mission to be a life-changing university.

“I look forward to working with them as we support the University’s growth and impact, both regionally and globally.”

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