London Higher, the representative body for the higher education sector in London, is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Hutchinson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 2025. She succeeds Dr. Diana Beech, who has led the organisation successfully for the past four years.
Liz joins London Higher from the British Academy, where she currently serves as the Director of Communications and Marketing. With extensive experience in strategic communications, policy influencing, and public engagement, she brings a forward-thinking vision to the role at a crucial time for London’s higher education sector.
Liz Hutchinson, incoming CEO of London Higher, said:
I am delighted to be appointed the next Chief Executive of London Higher and am looking forward to working with its dynamic and diverse member institutions, and with the wider sector.
Higher education institutions in the capital have long been at the vanguard of change, shaping policies, practices, undertaking research and driving forward cutting-edge innovation. The city’s unparalleled opportunities for collaboration between businesses, anchor institutions, local and national government and other key stakeholders create a unique environment for partnerships and growth and provide a student experience like no other.
I am determined to ensure that even more people are able to benefit from the world-class education and experiences this vibrant city has to offer, and I want to put London Higher at the centre of conversations about how to make that happen. I am grateful to the outgoing CEO Diana Beech for the strong foundations she has set during her tenure and am excited about building on these with the talented team of staff, the board and our members.
Professor Amanda Broderick, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of East London, commented:
We are thrilled to welcome Liz Hutchinson as the new CEO of London Higher. Her leadership experience, coupled with her deep understanding of policy and public engagement, makes her the ideal choice to drive forward our mission. With her strong connections across the sector and her strategic insight, Liz will be instrumental in championing London’s global standing as a world-class hub for higher education, research, and innovation.
Prior to her tenure at the British Academy, where she played a significant part in the organisation’s growth in impact, income and engagement, Liz was the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Goldsmiths, University of London. This came after senior communications roles in a range of organisations including the Learning Trust, General Social Care Council and the Electoral Commission.
As CEO, Liz will lead London Higher’s efforts to promote and support the capital’s universities, ensuring they continue to thrive as global leaders in education, research, and innovation. Her appointment signals an exciting new era for the organisation, reinforcing its commitment to advocating for London’s higher education institutions on both national and international stages.
