On your bike: v-c swaps campus life for top cycling job

A UK vice-chancellor is to step down to become the chief executive of British Cycling.

Peter Bonfield, a lifelong cyclist who represented Great Britain as a junior, has led the University of Westminster since 2018.

He will take on his new role at the top of the national governing body for cycling in mid-November.

Prior to joining Westminster, Bonfield spent more than two decades at the Building Research Establishment (BRE), finishing up as chief executive. He served as president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, and led a series of independent reviews for the UK government.

Between 2006 and 2012 he was seconded part-time to the Olympic Delivery Authority, leading on sustainable procurement.

As a cyclist he is a former British Cycling national juvenile circuit race champion, represented Great Britain at the Junior World Championships and was a national senior road squad member. His coaching achievements included the women’s triathlon team for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

A professor of engineering and sustainable development, Bonfield is currently deputy chair of representative organisation London Higher.

“Cycling has been a constant throughout my life, whether through racing, commuting, coaching or simply enjoying the freedom that a bike provides, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the national governing body for a sport that gives so much to so many people in diverse ways,” Bonfield said.

Chris Pilling, British Cycling’s chair, said Bonfield’s “leadership experience, strategic vision and understanding of the opportunities facing sport and physical activity” made him “exceptionally well placed” to lead the organisation.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com