The University of Warwick has appointed Dr Richard Hutchins to the newly created post of Chief Communications Officer with immediate effect. He joins the University Executive Board, reporting directly to the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart Croft. He previously served as the University’s Director of Strategy.

The new role includes oversight of the university’s business engagement, and its work with local business organisations and he already sits on the CBI’s West Midlands Regional Council. He says:

“The global pandemic has shown us all that how we communicate with individuals within our communities, as well as with external audiences and potential collaborators in business, government, and prospective students and staff, is more important than ever. I am honoured to be asked to lead in that this crucial role in these most challenging of times for us all.”

“My previous roles in WMG, and in business and economic development bodies across our region, helped me see, not just the depth and range of the many existing relationships between businesses and the University of Warwick, but also the enormous opportunities to create and grow many more such partnerships and links.

Richard’s previous experience includes:

· Chief Operating Officer Midlands Growth Company (and Deputy CEO when it was Marketing Birmingham) 2016 – 2017

· Director, Jaguar Land Rover Programmes at WMG, University of Warwick 2010 –2016

· Deputy Chief Executive Advantage West Midlands 2003 – 2010

· Business Director of IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) 1997 – 2003

 

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Media Relations
University of Warwick
email p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

or

Tom Frew - Senior Press and Media Relations Manager
University of Warwick
Email: a.t.frew@warwick.ac.uk
Telephone: +44(0)7785433155

PJD 16th February 2021

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Media Relations
University of Warwick
email p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

or

Tom Frew - Senior Press and Media Relations Manager
University of Warwick
Email: a.t.frew@warwick.ac.uk
Telephone: +44(0)7785433155