New Chair of University Council announced

Professional outdoor portrait of an individual in a blue suit standing on a rooftop terrace, with university buildings and a church spire visible in the background.

Mark Fisher CBE, former CEO for NHS Greater Manchester, is to take over as Chair of Council at the University of Huddersfield from 1 August.

Mr Fisher has been appointed to the top role on the University’s principal decision-making body, taking over from the current Chair, Jonathan Thornton OBE, who is due to retire shortly.

After an extensive career in the civil service, Mr Fisher moved to the NHS to lead the Greater Manchester board, where he worked until May 2026.

In November he was presented with an award of Doctor of the University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in civic duty and public service.

Professor Bob Cryan CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Mark Fisher as the new Chair of University Council. Mark brings a wealth of leadership experience from across public service and the NHS, and his insight and commitment will be a tremendous asset to the University as we continue to build on our success and ambitions for the future.

"I look forward to working closely with Mark in the years ahead and would also like to thank Jonathan Thornton for his outstanding contribution as Chair of Council.”

A man at a podium wearing a graduation gown
Mark Fisher pictured receiving an honorary doctorate from the University

Mr Fisher added: “University of Huddersfield is an outstanding, and on some metrics world-leading, institution. It is one of the linchpins of our local economy. It is therefore a great honour to be asked to serve it through the next stages of its development and growth.”

Mr Fisher began his career in the civil service in 1983.  He has worked mainly in the DWP and the Cabinet Office. He was Labour Market Director in the Department for Work and Pensions during the 2009 recession and for six years, Mr Fisher was a Director General in the Cabinet Office and served as Secretary to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, before taking on his most recent role within the NHS in 2022.

His contributions have been recognised with a CBE, which he received in 2010 for services to public administration. He lives in Holmfirth.

University Council

Council is the primary decision-making authority of the University and is responsible for approving the University Strategy and holding the Senior Executive for its delivery.

Council provides the strategic oversight of financial sustainability, institutional compliance and the charitable objects of the University.

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