LSBU appoints technology and business leader as new Chancellor
London South Bank University (LSBU) has announced the appointment of Jacky Wright LVO, as its new Chancellor. The London-born technology and business leader will take up the role, LSBU's most senior ambassadorial position, from November.
As Chancellor, Jacky will represent LSBU at official and ceremonial occasions, championing the University's work and its ambitions for widening opportunity, innovation and social mobility.
Jacky brings extensive senior experience spanning the private sector, government and civic life in both the UK and the United States. She has held senior leadership roles at leading global organisations, including Microsoft, HMRC, BP and GE. Most recently, she served as Chief Technology and Platform Officer at McKinsey & Company, leading the firm’s tech strategy and AI transformation globally.
Raised in North London in a Jamaican family before moving to the US, Jacky has built a longstanding reputation as a passionate advocate for equity, education and the next generation of talent.
She currently serves on the advisory councils of The HG Foundation, the Oxford Martin School and the Open Data Institute, and chairs the AI Council for the Chartered AI Council for the Chartered Management Institute. She has supported various initiatives including the Amos Bursary, Urban Synergy and the African Science Academy.
Jacky has regularly featured in The Powerlist, topping the list of the UK's most influential people of African, African American and African Caribbean heritage in 2022. She was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by the University of Bath and Aston University in recognition of her contributions to technology and digital inclusion.
Paul Kett, London South Bank University (LSBU) Group CEO and Vice-Chancellor, said: "It is a pleasure to welcome Jacky Wright as our new Chancellor. Jacky's remarkable career across technology, government and industry, combined with her own London roots and lifelong commitment to widening opportunity, make her an outstanding ambassador for our community. Her insight into digital and AI-enabled transformation comes at a pivotal time for LSBU Group and I look forward to working with her as we continue to deliver on our mission of social mobility and civic impact."
“As technology reshapes every aspect of how we learn, work, and build careers, universities like LSBU play a critical role in preparing our students and creating opportunity for the local community,” said Jacky Wright. “I am honoured to join this community as Chancellor and to support its ambitions in innovation, social mobility and civic impact. Together, we can ensure that talent from every background and life experience can contribute to the new world social contract required to help us thrive in a society being shaped by AI.”
Jacky is LSBU’s fifth chancellor since becoming a university in 1992. She will be installed on 9 November, succeeding current Chancellor, the Rt Hon Sir Simon Hughes.