New Chair of the Russell Group

23 March 2017

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, has been chosen as the next Chair of the Russell Group.

He will take over at the beginning of September 2017 from the current Chair Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham.

The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience, strong international partnerships, and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.

Commenting, Professor Anton Muscatelli said: “I’m delighted and extremely honoured to be chosen as the next Chair of the Russell Group.

“Now, more than ever at this time of uncertainty and change, it is vital that the UK’s leading research-intensive universities have their voices heard, understood and heeded. I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues to ensure that this is the case, and to continuing to promote at home and abroad the excellence and economic impact of Russell Group universities.” 

Dr Tim Bradshaw, Acting Director of the Russell Group, said:

“I welcome Professor Muscatelli’s appointment and look forward to working with him. 

“Science, research and innovation are vital to the UK’s future prosperity and our leading universities will have a key role to play in a post-Brexit world. The next three years will see the UK leave the EU, the introduction of new research and regulatory structures for higher education, and inevitable changes to immigration rules which will need to be managed carefully.

“Professor Muscatelli is eminently qualified to represent the interests of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities through this period of change, both domestically and internationally.

“Sir David Greenaway has played a hugely important role in chairing the Russell Group during a time when we have seen the EU referendum, the Higher Education and Research Bill and much more. I would like to thank Sir David for his work and know that all our Vice Chancellors are grateful for the contribution that he has made.”

Sir David Greenaway, outgoing Chair of the Russell Group, said:

“Russell Group universities make a vital contribution to the UK’s economy and society; they are real engines of growth and social mobility. It has been an honour to represent them at the highest level.

“I have worked very closely with Professor Muscatelli over many years, on Russell Group matters, Research Assessment Panels, and on the Board of Trustees of CASE Europe. I am delighted to be handing over to Anton later this year, and wish him all the best in his new role.”

Notes to Editors

Professor Anton Muscatelli has been Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow since 1 October 2009. An economist, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and an Academician in the Learned Societies of the Social Sciences.

From 2007-09 he was a special adviser on monetary policy to the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee. He has previously acted as consultant to the European Commission and the World Bank.

He is a member of the Board of the Scottish Funding Council which provides funding and oversight of Scotland's Colleges and Universities.

Professor Muscatelli chairs the Commission to evaluate the Glasgow City Region City Deal and is a Director of the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

Professor Muscatelli also chairs the Standing Council on Europe, an independent body of experts which advises the Scottish Government.