This is a challenging moment as many question both our value and our values. So this is the time to reinforce our purpose, our contributions, our impact. I look forward to working with all members, Liz Hutchinson and her talented staff to mobilise that distinctive voice and deepen our impact here in London, across the UK and on the world stage.
Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor and President of King’s College London
02 July 2025
Professor Shitij Kapur appointed Chair of London Higher
Vice-Chancellor and President of King’s College London, Professor Shitij Kapur, has been appointed Chair of London Higher.
The appointment was confirmed at London Higher’s Annual General Meeting, where Professor Kapur was elected to succeed Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of East London.
London Higher is the representative body for the capital’s higher education institutions. It brings together universities, colleges and specialist institutions across the capital to address shared challenges, advocate on policy issues, and promote London as a world-leading centre for education and research.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Kapur said: "London is the education capital of the world and it’s an honour to represent the diverse range of universities, colleges and conservatoires within London Higher’s membership.
"Our higher education sector is woven into the fabric of the capital. We are a valued partner of the world-leading industries that converge here: from tech and life sciences, to professional services and, perhaps uniquely in breadth and scale, our creative sector. Our students make London vibrant and exciting, and our institutions are at the heart of their local communities."
Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the sector, Professor Kapur added:
Liz Hutchinson, who became Chief Executive of London Higher in May 2025, said:
We at London Higher are delighted to be benefitting from the vision and leadership of Professor Kapur at this important inflection point for our sector and for London. There is no greater time to present a strong, collective voice for London’s higher education, to play a central role in the growth agendas regionally and nationally and to showcase the strength of our offer on the global stage.
Liz Hutchinson, Chief Executive of London Higher
Highlighting London Higher’s value as a strategic partner, she added: “What makes us truly unique, and such a valuable partner for those striving for positive change, is the diversity of our membership, united around a collective vision for London. We are excited to work with Shitij, our board and our members to seize this moment and unlock new possibilities for London, the UK and the world."
Professor Broderick, who served two full terms as Chair, said: “It has been a great honour to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees for London Higher over the past two terms. During this time, I’ve seen first-hand remarkable progress in the advancement of the role of higher education across our capital. As I now step down, I warmly welcome Professor Kapur as my successor. His leadership will be pivotal as London Higher takes on an increasingly vital role in championing the interests of our diverse institutions. I am confident that the work of London Higher and its members will be more important than ever as we shape the future of innovation, enterprise, talent, economic growth, and inclusion in our global city.”
The Annual General Meeting also confirmed the reappointment of Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster, as Deputy Chair. New appointments to the Board include Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, and Professor Randall Whittaker, Principal of Rose Bruford College.
King’s membership of London Higher reinforces its commitment to collaboration across the capital’s higher education sector. The membership builds on King’s long-standing partnerships with local organisations and businesses to support London’s growth and expand access to opportunity.
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Vice-Chancellor & President of King's College London