University of Buckingham appoints Rory Tapner as new Chair of Council and Mary Curnock Cook as strategic adviser

The University of Buckingham is delighted to announce that former Coutts Chief Executive Rory Tapner has been appointed as the new Chair of its Council and former Chief Executive of UCAS Mary Curnock Cook is joining as a strategic adviser.

Rory was Chief Executive of Coutts from 2010-2015 and is currently Chairman of Sanctum Wealth Management, India and Chairman of British Ski and Snowboard.  He was previously Deputy Chairman of Council, Hon. Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee at King’s College, London.

Tapner brings with him a strong understanding of the Higher Education sector and a wealth of experience in university governance. He served on the Council of King’s College from 2007 until 2016.

Also joining the University is Mary Curnock Cook, former Chief Executive of UCAS. Between 2010 and 2017, Mary led the universities’ admissions body through one of the greatest periods of change in the UK Higher Education sector, overseeing its transition to a dynamic digital enterprise, handling more than 4 million applications each year.

Rory and Mary are joining at a key time in the University’s development and when major changes are taking place in the HE sector. University of Buckingham Vice-Chancellor, Sir Anthony Seldon, said: “Buoyed by coming top of the Teaching Excellence Framework, The University of Buckingham is forging ahead.  Rory Tapner has one of the savviest, financial brains in universities today and there is no figure alive who understands students better than Mary Curnock Cook. We are thrilled they are joining us on our journey.”

The University of Buckingham was founded in 1976 and is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter. It has used its independence to pioneer a unique, student-focused approach to Higher Education.  On 22 June 2017, the University came top of the Teaching Excellence Framework, the new government scheme that rates the quality of teaching in universities across the UK.   Its “Gold” rating is added to the accolades already achieved for teaching quality and student satisfaction according to the Times and Sunday Times ‘Good University Guide 2017.’

For more information: Diana Blamires, Publicity Co-ordinator
The University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham MK18 1EG
Tel: +44 (0)774 8937494
Email:  marketing@buckingham.ac.uk