University of Roehampton appoints Phil Walker as Sir David Bell steps down


Phil Walker, Chair of the University of Roehampton Council

Phil Walker has been appointed as Chair of the University of Roehampton Council, its board of governors, which is responsible for promoting and upholding the University’s mission and values and ensuring its effective management. He succeeds Sir David Bell as Chair of the University’s Council and will commence his tenure on 1 August this year.

Phil started his career as a teacher of mathematics, going on to lead a support unit for excluded children in Wandsworth. He later worked for companies including Xerox, Dell, IBM, and later as Chief Operating Officer at Capgemini. Phil is recognised as an expert in making organisations more customer-oriented. He has been a member of Council since 2019 and serves on the Finance and Estates Committee. Phil is a mentor to several students as part of the student-led BAME mentoring programme.

Following confirmation of his appointment, Phil Walker said, “I am thrilled to be appointed Chair of Roehampton Council. I have been impressed with the breadth of experience of the board, the agility of the executive team and the constructive engagement from students, particularly at this seminal time in our history. There are many opportunities ahead, and I am confident that Roehampton will respond to the current challenges innovatively whilst maintaining the values that have sustained it for over 175 years. Rapid increases in the use of digital technology have brought many benefits to the world at large, and education in particular, but it’s important that throughout periods of significant change, universities stay committed to the universal truths that they cherish. I am sure that Roehampton, with its strong community of students, staff and rich heritage through its Colleges, will be very well-placed to meet that challenge".

Sir David Bell, current Chair of the University of Roehampton Council and Pro Chancellor said: "Phil Walker has been an excellent member of Council. With an outstanding background in education and industry, Phil has a history of working with students to achieve their aspirations. I am honoured to have served as Chair of Roehampton for the last twelve years. Roehampton is a unique university, with a diverse community of students and staff, excellent teaching, world-leading research and a long and distinguished history through its four colleges. I am certain that with Phil’s leadership of Council, Roehampton’s already very strong reputation will grow even further”.

Vice-Chancellor of Roehampton, Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard said: "I am really pleased that Phil Walker has been appointed as our new Chair of Council. His appointment comes at a time of great challenge for the higher education sector, and his experience will help our community navigate the challenges ahead. One of our great strengths is the commitment of our staff to supporting and widening opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and I know that Phil Walker shares these values strongly.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Sir David Bell for his leadership. He has been an integral part of the University for more than a decade, which has seen our four Colleges come even closer together, our reputation grow and our community of students and alumni thrive. I look forward to joining staff and students in thanking Sir David and celebrating his achievements later this year when he steps down”.

Sir David Bell is stepping down as Chair of Roehampton Council after serving four full terms.

June 10, 2020