Professor Phoenix will take over LSBU’s leadership on 1 January 2014, following the retirement of present incumbent Martin Earwicker.

David Longbottom, chair of LSBU’s board of governors, said Professor Phoenix would bring a strong background in higher education leadership, which would prove “vital” for realising LSBU’s vision.

Professor Phoenix said: “Like Uclan, London South Bank University has a long and distinguished history for helping people from all walks of life achieve their potential.

“The university has a strong focus on the student experience and employability and I am honoured to have been offered the opportunity to lead the institution into the next phase of its development.”

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Professor Phoenix has worked at Uclan for the past 21 years and was appointed dean of science in 2002, overseeing the opening of a new school of pharmacy and the re-launch of chemistry courses among other achievements, before becoming deputy vice-chancellor in 2008.

During his five years in this position he was instrumental in creating Uclan’s first overseas campus in Cyprus and a research institute in China.

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Professor Earwicker leaves LSBU after five years as vice-chancellor and chief executive.

john.elmes@tsleducation.com