Following an extensive and rigorous search process, the University has announced the appointment of three new lay members of the Board of Governors.
These new members join the Board at an exciting time, as it begins to engage with the development and evolution of the Manchester 2035 strategy, which after extensive, institution-wide engagement, the Board is scheduled to sign off in October 2025. Approval of the strategy will be followed, later in 2025-26, by an externally led review of University governance, to assure effectiveness, following the earlier review carried out by the Halpin Partnership in 2021.
The three new members are:
Kerris Bright, Chief Customer Officer at the BBC
On her appointment to the Board, Kerris said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed to the Board of The University of Manchester. I hope that my experience of driving growth in complex, large organisations with multiple stakeholders can be of value as the University embarks on this exciting new phase of its Strategy. From a humble background, I’ve been the beneficiary of higher education, and it’s shaped my life, and I look forward to giving something back.”
Paul Thwaite, Chief Executive Officer of Nat West Group
On his appointment to the Board, Paul said: “I am pleased to be joining the Board of Governors at such an exciting time for the University. As an alumnus, I know the University has a long and proud record of research and enterprise, and I look forward to supporting the central role it plays in the development and growth of the City, the region, and across the UK.”
Emma Wade-Smith, Senior Vice-President, Government Affairs, De Beers Group
On her appointment to the Board, Emma said: “As an alumna of the university, it is a special privilege to join the Board at such a pivotal time, both for higher education and Greater Manchester. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to bring my international and government experience to the team that will help chart a third century of success for the university.”
Other new members who joined the Board earlier this academic year are Professor Soumhya Venkatesan (elected member from Senate) and Lexie Baynes and Katie Jackson as members from the Students Union.
Philippa Hird, Chair of the Board of Governors said: “I am sure they will all make important contributions to the work of the Board as we build our bold new strategy, Manchester 2035 and I look forward to working with them.”
