The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen has appointed a new principal and vice-chancellor.
Professor Steve Olivier will take up the roles on September 1, and joins the organisation from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
Prior to that, he was vice-principal and depute vice-chancellor at Abertay University in Dundee.
Prof Olivier will succeed current RGU principal Prof John Harper, who will retire after working at the university for 47 years.
He said: “I am both humbled and proud to have been appointed as principal and vice-chancellor of RGU.
“I am looking forward to working to deliver the university’s strategy, in partnership with colleagues, students, as well as regional, national and international partners.
“I have been privileged to have learned from many others along the way, and hope to further develop a learning environment at RGU that has both the spirit of curiosity and collegiality at heart.”
Prof Harper was named principal in 2018 following an alleged conflict of interest regarding his predecessor.
An internal investigation was launched into Ferdinand von Prondzynski’s appointment of his business partner to a top role at the university.
The pair were the only directors of a company involved in the ownership of a £12 million Irish castle.
RGU’s board ruled that it had been a “genuine omission or oversight”. Prof von Prondzynski was not sanctioned but later resigned to “allow RGU to recover from these events”.
During his time at Abertay, Prof Olivier led all academic activities including teaching and research, as well as quality enhancement.
He has more than 30 years’ experience in universities, and serves on a number of Scottish and UK-wide higher education bodies.
Colin Hunter, chairman of RGU’s board of governors, said: “Prof Olivier brings with him significant leadership experience in the higher education sector, both in the UK and internationally.
“He recognises the university’s strengths in its provision of a high quality and professionally-relevant educational offering, with a leading reputation for the employability of its graduates and its close engagement with industry.
“Building on its successes in teaching and research, the university is in a strong position to grow and evolve under his leadership.”
