Richard Farleigh appointed as University's new Chancellor
Business entrepreneur Richard Farleigh has been appointed as the new Chancellor at London South Bank University (LSBU).
Richard Farleigh
As the ceremonial head of the University, he will perform a range of duties including awarding degrees at graduation events and holding an ambassadorial role promoting the work and ambitions of LSBU.
Mr Farleigh is a private investor with a large portfolio of highly-successful companies - and is best known in the public eye as a former panellist on TV business programme
Dragons' Den.
Mr Farleigh will initially hold the position for a period of four years, having been appointed by LSBU's Board of Governors.
Although primarily an ambassadorial role, he is keen to get 'hands-on' and share business advice with students and offer input to University leaders about the future direction of LSBU.
He said: "I am delighted and honoured to accept this position and am looking forward to playing an active role in the University.
"I was eager to get involved, after being impressed with how enterprise is embedded in the culture of the University in areas such as teaching and research - encouraging and supporting staff, students, graduates and partners to be bold, entrepreneurial and innovative.
"I was also attracted by LSBU's mission to encourage students from every walk of life with the potential for success to excel and 'become what you want to be'."
Mr Farleigh's own personal and professional experiences make him ideally placed to motivate others to realise their full potential.
He made his first million by the age of 30 and has backed over 70 small start-up British companies - more than any other private investor in Britain.
Vice-Chancellor and chief executive Martin Earwicker said: "Mr Farleigh is a perfect ambassador for the University - proving that with talent, drive and ambition you can achieve your goals.
"This is a prestigious appointment and I am delighted that he has agreed to become an important part of our University.
"Mr Farleigh and LSBU share common values around ensuring opportunities for all and in placing significant emphasis on research and enterprise.
"We aim to become 'London's Enterprising University' and believe that Mr Farleigh's business knowledge and advice will be truly inspirational for our students and will help us to further strengthen our links with businesses."
David Longbottom, Chair of the Board of Governors, said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Mr Farleigh to the University.
"This appointment is a significant milestone in London South Bank University's 120th anniversary year - one where we can look forward to the future with confidence while celebrating and respecting our past."
Posted: 1st May 2012
