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Two new senior appointments for º£½ÇÖ±²¥

A º£½ÇÖ±²¥ graduate is returning to the University in a senior role to lead its international strategy.

Dr David Bell, who achieved his masters’ degree in Computer Aided Engineering from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in 1986, has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (International). Mr Simon Walker has also been appointed Director of Legal Services and University Secretary. They will both begin their new roles in the New Year.

Dr Bell is joining º£½ÇÖ±²¥ from Northumbria where he was Associate Dean (International) in the Faculty of Engineering and Environment, working to develop multi-million pound international activity and partnerships in both the Gulf and Asia. Prior to that he held a succession of leadership roles, including Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in Northumbria’s School of Engineering and Associate Dean (External Activity) for the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences.

With a background in engineering as a Designer, Project Engineer and Engineering Manager with both Thorn EMI and Electrolux, Dr Bell moved into a senior engineering lecturing role in 1992.

As Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, he will be responsible for driving forward the University’s international recruitment and building the University’s international brand across the globe.

Mr Walker has a wealth of experience in the legal profession and is a practising Solicitor for the where he is Group Solicitor. He was previously a Solicitor at legal firm Ward Hadaway and Senior Solicitor at Sunderland City Council. As well as taking up the position of Director of Legal Services and University Secretary at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Mr Walker will also undertake the role of Clerk to the Board.

Professor Paul Croney, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, said: 'I am delighted to welcome both David and Simon to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and I am sure they will make a positive contribution to two areas of significant strategic importance.

'They both have a great deal of experience in their respective areas of expertise and their knowledge, drive and ambition will help to make us a stronger university moving forward.'

The announcement of Dr Bell and Mr Walker follows the recent appointments of Professor Simon Hodgson Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Professor Jane Turner Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement).

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