Teesside University appoints next Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

Teesside University has appointed Professor Mark Simpson as its next Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive. He will take up his appointment following the retirement of Professor Paul Croney OBE, at the beginning of September 2026.

Professor Simpson is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University and has held numerous senior positions throughout his career at Teesside. He was previously Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, has a distinguished reputation for teaching and learning and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts (FRSA).

Under current Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Croney’s leadership, the University has received national recognition for excellence, including being named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2025, and The Daily Mail Modern University of the Year 2026.

Chair of the Board of Governors, Ada Burns, said: 'We are delighted to appoint Professor Simpson as our next Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive. His expertise, experience and passion for both the region and for Teesside University means he is uniquely placed to lead us into the final year of our Strategy and on to the development of our plan for the future.'

Incoming Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Designate, Professor Mark Simpson, said: 'I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed as Teesside University’s next Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive.

'Leading our University will be the greatest honour of my career, and I am excited to have the opportunity to build upon the many successes achieved under Paul’s outstanding leadership. Teesside University is a force for good, a driver for change and innovation, and prides itself on delivering an outstanding learning and student experience.

'As a University community, we remain committed to our mission to transform lives and economies. This is a moment to accelerate our momentum, seize new opportunities, and continue to build on everything that makes Teesside University exceptional.'

Current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Croney OBE said: 'I am extremely delighted that Professor Mark Simpson has been appointed to be my successor at Teesside University. As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, he has both the academic credibility and leadership capability to lead the University.

'He, along with my other senior colleagues, has been instrumental in delivering the University Corporate Strategy over the last 10 years and in achieving all our awards and recognition.'

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