Richard Williams OBE has been named Heriot-Watt University’s principal and vice-chancellor.
Williams joined Heriot-Watt after holding the roles of pro-vice chancellor and head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Birmingham University over the past five years. Prior to Birmingham, he was pro-vice chancellor for enterprise and knowledge transfer and international strategy at Leeds University.
In addition, Williams was a founding director of Alta Innovations, Birmingham’s tech transfer unit, and several spin-out firms based on his own research.
Frances Cairncross, Chair of Heriot-Watt’s University Court, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that Professor Williams is to be the University’s next principal and vice-chancellor. His experience and expertise mesh well with Heriot-Watt’s own academic and research strengths, as demonstrated in the recent REF results, and his background within the sector and his wide network of contacts will provide strong support to the University’s strategic development, building on the successes of recent years. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Williams added: “I am delighted to be joining a University that has a proud heritage and evident track record of outstanding achievement in science, engineering and business and with such a profound global reach. Heriot-Watt has an ambitious and sound strategic plan. I look forward to working with students and colleagues across the campuses in the Dubai, the UK, and Malaysia, along with our many partners and businesses in the ensuring the University’s future growth and success.”
