Chair of Council honoured for 14 years of outstanding service to Warwick

The University of Warwick has celebrated the dedicated service of Sir David Normington, who steps down as Chair of Council after eight years in the role.

Sir David joined the Council in 2011 and has played a key part in the University’s leadership over the past 14 years. He is succeeded by Neil Sachdev, who brings extensive experience in business, governance, and strategic leadership.

A former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education and the Home Office, Sir David brought invaluable experience to Warwick’s governing body, guiding the University through a period of significant transformation.

In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal on Wednesday 23 July. And as a lasting tribute to his service, the theatre at Warwick Arts Centre has been named in his honour and will now be known as the Normington Theatre.

Sir David, reflecting on his time at Warwick, said: “Throughout my life I’ve believed in the power of education to change lives and over 14 years at Warwick, I’ve seen that in action every single day.

“I take immense pride in how far we’ve come: in the diversity and talent of our student body, in the support we offer those from less advantaged backgrounds, and in the world-class education and research that now define this University. Even as the world turned inward, Warwick looked outwards, building global partnerships while staying firmly rooted in its region.

“It has been a privilege to play a part in that journey. Warwick is bold, ambitious, and always looking to the future – and I know it will continue to thrive for decades to come.”

Sir David’s time as Chair spanned a period of extraordinary change – not least the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he praised the “remarkable” way the Warwick community came together to support students and safeguard the University’s future.

Under his leadership, Warwick strengthened its position as a globally engaged, research-intensive university. Regional partnerships flourished, international collaborations expanded, and the University laid firm foundations for major future investments in science and social sciences as parts of its Connect Programme, all driven by a shared commitment to ambition, inclusivity and long-term impact.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, said: “Sir David’s steady and principled leadership has left a lasting legacy. His insight, unwavering integrity and genuine warmth have shaped the way our Council operates and the way in which we have evolved into an exceptional university that benefits society”.

“As we mark Warwick’s 60th anniversary, it feels especially fitting to have honoured someone who dedicated more than a decade to helping shape our future. On behalf of the whole University, I want to thank David for his exceptional service and wish him the very best for what comes next.”

Sir David first joined the University Council in 2011 and was appointed Chair in 2017. In addition to his role at Warwick, he chairs the Birmingham Royal Ballet and continues to support a wide range of public, educational and cultural causes.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Stevie Connoll

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791

About the University of Warwick

Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

24 July 2025