University of Nottingham appoints new council chair

The University of Nottingham has appointed alumnus and experienced business leader Michael Queen as chair of its council.

Michael will take up the role on October 2, bringing extensive experience across business, investment and higher education governance.

A chartered accountant, he spent 25 years in the private equity industry and ended his executive career as chief executive of 3i Group.

He is currently chair of Thames Tideway and global private equity group Coller Capital, alongside holding board positions with two Middle East-based companies.

His higher education experience includes ten years on the Council of the University of Surrey, four of them as chair, where he supported a period of strategic and organisational change.

He also chaired Surrey’s Campaign Board, which raised £70 million, and spent three years as chair of the Committee of University Chairs, representing the governing bodies of UK universities.

A Nottingham alumnus, Michael graduated with a degree in industrial economics in 1983.

In his new role, he will lead the University Council, which oversees key decisions, senior appointments and strategy while supporting the institution’s wider mission and impact.

Michael said: “Coming back to Nottingham as chair of council is something I feel deeply honoured to do. 

“This university gave me the foundations for everything that followed in my career, and I am very conscious of the responsibility that comes with this role. 

“My ambition is to help the university realise its full potential: to be consistently among the very top universities in the UK and the world. 

“I want to work in close partnership with the vice-chancellor and her leadership team to build on our remarkable strengths – investing in student experience, supporting research excellence, and ensuring that the university plays an even greater role in driving economic growth and innovation nationally.

“I also hope to help Nottingham deepen its connections with the innovation and investment community, so that more of the outstanding science and technology developed here translates into real-world impact.”

Vice-chancellor Professor Jane Norman added: “I am delighted to welcome Michael Queen as the new chair of University Council. 

“Michael brings a wealth of leadership experience, strategic insight and a deep commitment to excellence that will be invaluable as we continue to build on the university's global reputation for outstanding education, research and innovation.

“I am confident his appointment will further enhance and support the university, and build on the impressive legacy our outgoing chair, Sir Keith O’Nions, who I would like to thank for more than seven years of dedicated service for the university.

“I look forward to working closely with Michael to deliver our ambitious vision for the future.”

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