Wendy Larner appointed as Cardiff Uni’s new Vice-Chancellor as Colin Riordan steps down

She will be the first woman to hold the position in Cardiff University’s 140-year history


Professor Wendy Larner has been appointed as Cardiff University’s new Vice-Chancellor and President as Colin Riordan steps down from the role.  

Wendy will join the university on 1st September 2023 in time for the start of the new academic year. 

Currently the Provost of Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, Professor Larner was previously the Dean of Social Sciences and Law and Professor of Human Geography for 10 years at the University of Bristol. She has previously held academic positions at the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland and was a Fulbright Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

On her appointment into the new role, Professor Larner said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University. It’s an excellent university, full of promise and ambition, and I look forward to working with staff, students and external partners to further unlock its potential. We have the opportunity to be a great global-civic university, actively shaping a better future for Wales and the world.”

Current Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan is leaving after 10 years at the University after taking up the post in September 2012. He was previously the Vice Chancellor of the University of Essex. 

Discussing the change, Professor Colin Riordan said: “I was very pleased to hear of Wendy’s appointment and have every confidence that she will build on Cardiff’s firm foundations. As I have learned over the past decade, Cardiff’s strength lies in the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and ideas of its community. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to lead this vibrant University and I wish Wendy every success in continuing to shape its future.”

The position of Head of Cardiff University is one of the highest-paid public sector jobs in Wales, with an annual salary of £289,275 according to the university’s latest financial details. 

Feature Images Credit: YouTube

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