New University of Chester Council President looking to build on strong foundation

John Mills brings with him years of financial and commercial experience as a former Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Chair of renowned clothing retailer Matalan, as well as previous University leadership experience at Nottingham.

Now, 20 years on from first getting involved in the University sector, John has been appointed as President on the University’s Council, succeeding Meredydd David OBE. His role will see him working with the Executive Team and Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons on the University’s Citizen Student Strategy, which includes a new academic framework and a comprehensive estates masterplan. The President leads the Council, ensuring effective oversight and collective decision-making, promoting efficient operation and member collaboration.

John is a mathematics graduate and former Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers with significant experience in accounting and taxation. He was a member of the Council of the University of Nottingham for over 14 years, the last eight as its President and Chair. John has also been Chair of a local school trust and strongly believes everybody should have the opportunity to better their lives through education, and that those who can benefit from university should have the opportunity to do so, from whatever background or time of life.

As well as experience chairing in the education sector, John was Chair of Matalan Ltd for 10 years and deputy chair for four years.

John said: “It’s 20 years since I first got involved in the University sector and I'm proud and excited to be asked to be the new President of the University of Chester. The University has faced into challenges over the last few years and built a strong foundation.

“The building blocks are there to create an outstanding University and my first few weeks haven't questioned that aspiration. The University has an excellent VC and Executive Team, a vibrant student body and campuses in an exciting and evolving city and region.

“The financial and commercial experience I've gained over many years has become more relevant to the sector than ever before and challenges remain. Those challenges don't detract from the strong supportive community I've experienced which respects everybody as an individual. The value of a University of Chester education is well understood Internationally, but the UK student market needs to hear a lot more about it."