Professor Bob Cryan CBE DL FREng has announced he will step down as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield on 1 February 2027, bringing to a close 20 years of leadership that have seen significant growth in the institution’s research, international reputation and campus development.
Professor Cryan’s association with the university stretches back four decades. He first joined as an academic in September 1986, before leaving in 1992 to pursue opportunities elsewhere. He returned in January 2007 to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor.
During his tenure, the university has secured national and international recognition for its teaching, research and contribution to society.
Mark Fisher CBE, Chair of the University Council, praised Professor Cryan’s leadership and the progress made during his time in office.
“The University has made remarkable progress during Bob’s time as Vice-Chancellor,” he said.
“Huddersfield has achieved Gold across all three elements of the Teaching Excellence Framework and is the UK’s leading mainstream university for the proportion of teaching staff with higher degrees and teaching qualifications.”
He highlighted the university’s growing research profile, with its research power rising from 92nd nationally in 2008 to the top third of UK universities in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
The institution has also received three Queen’s Anniversary Prizes and was ranked first in the world this year for its contribution to two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – No Poverty and Reduced Inequalities.
It was also named University of the Year for Degree Apprenticeships.
Mr Fisher said the university had undergone a major campus transformation through sustained investment while maintaining a strong financial position and remaining debt-free.
“On behalf of University Council, I would like to thank Bob for his exceptional leadership and outstanding service to Huddersfield,” he added.
‘Huddersfield has always been part of my family’s story’
Reflecting on his decision, Professor Cryan described leading the university as the defining professional experience of his life.
“Leading the University of Huddersfield has been the defining professional experience of my life and an enormous privilege,” he said.
“This year marks 40 years since I first joined Huddersfield as an academic, and in January I will have completed 20 years as Vice-Chancellor. It feels like the right time to hand over leadership as the University moves forward in its next chapter.”
His connection to Huddersfield extends well beyond his professional career.
He met his wife while studying in the town, and she later became a Huddersfield graduate after studying part-time at the university. Both of their children also graduated from the institution.
“Huddersfield has always been much more than a place of work; it has been part of my family’s story for more than four decades,” he said.
Professor Cryan also paid tribute to the staff and students who had contributed to the university’s success.
“Whatever has been achieved during my time as Vice-Chancellor has been a collective endeavour. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work alongside talented and committed colleagues and students, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.”
He added that he remained as ambitious for the university as when he returned in 2007 and had enormous confidence in its future.
Chancellor pays tribute to leadership
Sir George Buckley, Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, praised Professor Cryan’s ability to bring people together and create opportunities.
“Having worked alongside Bob as Chancellor, I have seen at close quarters the ambition, judgement and determination behind his leadership,” he said.
“One of Bob’s greatest strengths has been his ability to bring talented people together, encourage their ideas and give them the confidence to achieve more than they might have thought possible.”
Sir George said Professor Cryan had helped strengthen the university’s reputation while creating opportunities for students, supporting staff and bringing recognition to Huddersfield.
“It has been a privilege to work with Bob, and he leaves with my deep respect and gratitude,” he added.
Interim Vice-Chancellor appointed
The University Council has appointed Professor Tim Thornton, currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor, to serve as Interim Vice-Chancellor from 1 February 2027.
Professor Thornton has played a significant role in the university’s leadership and development, and his appointment is intended to provide continuity while an external recruitment process takes place to select a permanent successor.
Mr Fisher said the council had been unanimous in supporting the appointment.
“Tim is an outstanding academic leader who knows the University extremely well. Council was unanimous in its view that his appointment provides both continuity and strong leadership as the University enters its next phase.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Tim’s experience and calibre to lead the University through this transition.”
Professor Cryan will remain in post until the end of January 2027, completing two decades at the helm of an institution with which he and his family have shared a connection spanning more than 40 years.
