Professor Dibyesh Anand will lead the University of Westminster as Interim Vice-Chancellor and President from 26 October 2026. Currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Employability), he first came to the UK as a Chevening Scholar and has spent almost two decades at Westminster.
Julia Palca, Chair of the Court of Governors of the University of Westminster, said: “I am delighted that Dibyesh has been appointed our Interim Vice-Chancellor. I am confident that he will bring an enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm to the role, and that, with him as the driving force, we will continue to pursue our strategy to make the University of Westminster a fantastic place to study and work.”
Professor Peter Bonfield, outgoing Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, said: “I am so pleased Dibyesh has been appointed as Interim Vice-Chancellor. He lives and breathes our values, has such great energy and passion for our University students and colleagues and is the most superb leader to take our wonderful University forward. Huge congratulations Dibyesh — I wish you all success.”
Professor Anand joined Westminster in 2007 as a Reader in the Centre for the Study of Democracy. He went on to serve as Research Director for Politics and International Relations (2010-2013), Head of Department (2013-2018) and Head of the School of Social Sciences (2018-2023). A Professor of International Relations, he continues to teach, research and supervise doctoral students.
Photo: Professor Peter Bonfield and Professor Dibyesh Anand at the Challenging Racism Conference taking place at the University (Credit: University of Westminster)
Since becoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2023, Professor Anand has successfully led and coordinated the University's global engagement, employability provision and business engagement. He has enhanced Westminster students’ career readiness, championed the University’s ambitious Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and programme, and coordinated the institutional commitment to Sustainable Development.
Beyond Westminster, Professor Anand co-chairs the Universities UK-Advance HE Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Network and London Higher's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network, and sits on Research England's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expert Advisory Group.
Professor Anand said: “I came to the UK as an international student, and I have never lost my sense of pride in what British higher education can offer. When I joined Westminster in 2007, I could not have imagined leading it one day. Westminster became my home, a place where I could be myself and where I have worked with many others to help students and colleagues from every background become the best versions of themselves. I am grateful for the Court's confidence and our community’s support, and determined to lead Westminster forward: strengthening our foundations, promoting social and global mobility, and remaining a university that opens doors for everyone.”
Learn more about the governance structure of the University of Westminster.
Photo credits: University of Westminster
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