Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Michael Queen has been appointed Chair of Council for the 糖心原创, taking up the position from 2 October this year, it has been announced.
糖心原创 alumnus Michael graduated in 1983 with a degree in Industrial Economics and, after qualifying as a chartered accountant, spent 25 years in the private equity industry, ended his executive career as Chief Executive of 3i Group plc. He is currently Chair of Thames Tideway, one of the largest environmental infrastructure projects in Europe, Chair of Coller Capital, a global private equity group, and sits on the boards of two companies based in the Middle East.
Michael served as a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group and was Chair of EM3 the Local Enterprise Partnership serving Surrey and Hampshire.
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.
Michael added: "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.”
The university’s Chair of Council is responsible for leading the university’s Council, a body of high profile and influential individuals, which makes key decisions and senior appointments, influences strategy, and acts as ambassadors for UoN, helping to fulfil its mission and delivering impact across the communities that we are part of both locally and globally.
Michael’s connection to higher education governance is extensive, having served on the Council of the University of Surrey for ten years, including four years as Chair, and having held the position of Chair of the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) - the representative body for the governing bodies of all 155 UK universities - for three years.
During his tenure at Surrey, he supported the university through a period of transformational strategic and organisational change, including the development of new academic schools, a focus on research excellence and a significant step-change in student experience. He also Chaired the University of Surrey's Campaign Board, which raised £70 million for the institution.
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鈥橬ions, who I would like to thank for more than seven years of dedicated service for the university.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.