Alistair Jarvis is stepping down as chief executive of Universities UK to join the senior team at the University of London.

Mr Jarvis will join London as pro vice-chancellor of partnerships and governance in June 2022.

He has been chief executive of UUK, the country’s main sector representative body, since 2017, having previously served as deputy chief executive and director of external relations.

The news means that several of the UK sector’s main organisations will be on the lookout for new leaders at the same time, with Nicola Dandridge – Mr Jarvis’ predecessor as UUK head – having recently announced that she will step down as chief executive of the English regulator, the Office for Students, in April 2022.

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Wendy Thomson, London’s vice-chancellor, said she was “delighted to welcome Alistair to the senior team”.

“His wealth of experience and the high regard with which he is held in the sector make him an outstanding appointment to this position,” Professor Thomson said.

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“The role is key to the continuing delivery of our strategy, combining an external focus on partnerships and policy, with that of governance in his capacity as university secretary. I am excited to work with Alistair.”

Mr Jarvis was previously director of communications and marketing at the University of Birmingham, and director of communications at the 1994 Group.

His tenure at UUK has coincided with the tumults of the coronavirus pandemic and several rounds of industrial action over pay and pensions. It has also included the UK’s exit from the European Union, the creation of the OfS, and umbrella body UK Research and Innovation.

“I am delighted to be joining the leadership team at the University of London, a unique and diverse institution with a compelling vision. I am looking forward to working with a talented team and with partners across the federation to deliver the university's goals across London, the UK and internationally,” Mr Jarvis said.

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chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com