Today, London Higher announces that Dr Diana Beech, who has led the organisation for the past four years, will be stepping down from her role as Chief Executive Officer in March 2025. During her tenure, Diana has played a pivotal role in strengthening London’s higher education sector and fostering collaboration among the capital’s universities. Diana will go on to assume a dual role at City St George’s, University of London, becoming the first Director of the university’s exciting new policy institute, the Finsbury Institute, and continuing her advocacy for higher education and research as Associate Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs.
London Higher remains committed to supporting its member institutions and continues to drive forward several exciting initiatives designed to enhance London’s position as a world-leading hub for higher education and research, such as the Study London campaign. The Board of Trustees has initiated the process to recruit a new Chief Executive Officer who will build upon the strong foundation laid by Diana, and lead London Higher into its next chapter.
Commenting on the transition, Dr Diana Beech said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as CEO of London Higher for the past four years. There is no other job in the sector where you get to work with such an eclectic mix of genuinely world-leading higher education institutions and fly the flag for the greatest city region on earth. The amazing London Higher team works hard to tackle the challenges and grasp the opportunities of London’s unique operating context – something I know will set London Higher apart from other sector organisations as the new government turns its attentions to devolution and growth in regions. I am leaving this role with “LondonHE” firmly in my heart and am proud to be moving to a London Higher member where I can continue to support the organisation go from strength to strength.”
Professor Amanda Broderick, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are immensely grateful for Diana’s leadership and dedication to London Higher. Her vision and commitment have significantly advanced our mission to support and promote London’s higher education sector. While we will miss her leadership, we are excited about the future and the opportunity to bring in new talent to take London Higher from strength to strength.”
Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, added: “This transition presents an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader to join London Higher at a crucial time for our capital’s higher education sector. Our member institutions can be assured that we remain fully committed to supporting their needs and advancing their interests during this period of transition and beyond.”
London Higher continues to execute its strategic plans and maintains its unwavering focus on supporting member institutions. The organisation will shortly announce details of the recruitment process for the new Chief Executive Officer position.
ENDS
For immediate enquiries, please contact Anna Zvagule, Head of Communications at London Higher on anna.zvagule@londonhigher.ac.uk or 07492965065.
