11 June 2025

Vice-Chancellor to leave University for new leadership role

Professor Dave Petley stood on grass outside building

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dave Petley has announced he will be stepping down from the role on 10 December to take up the position of Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University.

Since joining the University of Hull, Dave has led a period of transformation and growth, championing a bold vision for the future and overseeing significant progress across education, research, and civic engagement. HIs leadership has strengthened our foundations and set a clear direction for continued success.

This has not been an easy decision. I will leave with immense pride in all that we have achieved together, and with real sadness for all that I will leave behind.

Dave Petley

Vice-Chancellor

He continued,

"The work we have undertaken over the last three years, and the projects now underway, place the University of Hull in a strong position for future growth and excellence. Until my departure, I remain fully committed to advancing our vision and delivering on our shared objectives and ambitions.

“It has been an honour to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull."

Dave joined Hull as Vice-Chancellor in September 2022 from the University of Sheffield, where he was Vice-President for Innovation.

George Garlick, Chair of Council, said: “Dave has been a truly outstanding Vice-Chancellor. His focused and insightful leadership has guided the University through a period of significant financial challenge and sector-wide uncertainty, all while maintaining momentum toward growth and excellence. The University of Hull is now a more confident, robust, and stable institution than it was three years ago. That is a testament to Dave’s leadership and the dedication of colleagues across the University, who together have laid strong foundations for the future.”

The process to recruit a new Vice-Chancellor has begun.

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Last updated 29 July 2025, 10.33