V-c exits City

The vice-chancellor of City University London has stepped down after disagreements with the institution’s council over governance.

Malcolm Gillies announced his decision to resign with immediate effect on 23 July, although he will continue as professor of music at City until January 2010.

Julius Weinberg, the institution’s deputy vice-chancellor, will take the reins until a permanent replacement is appointed.

In a statement, the university says: “The council and vice-chancellor had differing views on matters of governance and, putting the best interests of the university first, both parties agreed this was the right decision.”

Professor Gillies joined City from the Australian National University, where he was vice-president (development), in August 2007.

Announcing his departure, he said: “City University has achieved much since its new charter came into being in 2006, and has proven to be a model for several other institutions. It has a great body of staff and students, and virtually every indicator is now pointing upwards. Long may that continue.”

Apurv Bagri, deputy pro-chancellor and acting chair of the university council, said: “Malcolm has played an important role in the growing success of the university and, together with council, has ensured a strong focus on the core activities of education and research.

“We thank Malcolm for his hard work and wish him well for the future. The university is in an extremely strong position, with excellent academic performance, and the council has full confidence in senior management to build on this success.”

melanie.newman@tsleducation.com