Latchman made University of London v-c after leadership turmoil

David Latchman has been appointed vice-chancellor of the University of London after the institution’s previous head resigned, citing unfair treatment.

Latchman, a geneticist who has held the position on an interim basis since May, was approved on the recommendation of a joint appointments committee after a consultation with the heads of the university’s 17 federation members. 

A former vice-chancellor at Birkbeck, Latchman has also served as the University of London’s deputy vice-chancellor, and is now set to lead the institution until July 2028. 

“At the heart of the University of London is our commitment to expanding access to higher education. We do this by serving the needs of a truly global student population of more than 35,000 learners, federation members based in London and a network of UK and international based partners,” he said in a statement. 

“I am proud to have been appointed to lead this unique university and its talented and committed staff as we evolve to meet the new and emerging needs of learners, members and partners.”

It follows a tumultuous period for the university. Its previous vice-chancellor, Wendy Thomson, resigned from the post in April following an 11-month suspension pending an independent investigation, reportedly relating to allegations of bullying and poor leadership.

In a statement shared with university staff in April, she said she had raised concerns about “governance and imprudent financial management” and accused the university of failing to investigate the matter “properly and transparently”. 

Thomson, who took on the vice-chancellor role in 2019, vowed to take the federal institution to an employment tribunal, alleging constructive dismissal and seeking to “challenge the unfair and detrimental treatment I received after I made whistleblowing disclosures”. 

The suspension came at a time of significant leadership upheaval at the university, with Mark Lowcock resigning as board chair the week before Thomspon’s resignation, although he continues to serve as a trustee. Two other trustees, Paul Boursican and Andrew Ratcliffe, stepped down in the same month.

The new chair of the board of trustees, Kavita Reddi, praised Latchman’s leadership. 

“Over the last year David has led key developments at the university, including the launch of new, online, stackable micro-credentials, with academic direction provided by our federation members,” she said in a statement. 

"The board is ambitious for the university and we look forward to working with David on our shared commitment to expanding access to quality higher education globally, and improving how we meet the needs of all our students, members and partners.”

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com