University of Stirling appoints Harry Adam as new Chair of Court

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The University of Stirling has announced the appointment of Harry Adam as its new Chair of Court.

Harry – who has held senior roles within a number of large global corporations – takes up a four-year term as Chair, following a thorough appointment and election process.

As a Stirling graduate and former Students’ Union President, Harry has a long-established relationship with the University – and has been a member of University Court since 2005. He served as a lay member of Court until 2012, when he became Vice-Chair, and has held the position of Acting Chair since 2019. In addition, he holds positions on the University’s Governance and Nomination; Remunerations; and Joint Policy, Planning and Resources Committees.

Harry Adam
Harry Adam
Chair of Court, University of Stirling
As Chair of Court, I look forward, with my Court colleagues, to helping develop and guide the University’s vision and strategic direction – ensuring we remain well connected with our key stakeholders and continue to be a great place to study and work. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this has never been more important.

Harry said: “I am delighted to be elected Chair of Court at the University of Stirling – this is a further opportunity to give back to an institution to which I owe much and of which I am proud.

“As Chair of Court, I look forward, with my Court colleagues, to helping develop and guide the University’s vision and strategic direction – ensuring we remain well connected with our key stakeholders and continue to be a great place to study and work. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this has never been more important.”

University of Stirling Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, said: “Harry Adam has a wealth of knowledge and experience garnered during an impressive career working in business and holding senior leadership positions with a number of large global corporations. Importantly, he knows this University incredibly well – having studied here, served as President of our Students’ Union, represented our alumni community and held a number of leadership positions on University Court and its committees.

“On behalf of everyone at the University, I congratulate Harry on his new position as Chair of Court and I look forward to working with him on the delivery of the University’s strategic objectives.”

Leadership

Harry graduated from the University of Stirling with a BA in History and Politics in 1980. On graduating, he joined British Steel and subsequently filled a number of senior leadership roles with Foseco plc, Burmah Castrol Chemicals and the industrial Lubricants Division of BP. He was a board member and HR Director for Ian Williams, a leading property services company, until 2012.

As well as his roles at the University, Harry has held a number of board and non-executive director positions at other organisations – including his current role as Member of the Corporation (Governor) of Wiltshire College.

The Chair of Court – a key governance role within the University’s constitution – is responsible for the leadership and effectiveness of Court, the University’s governing body, and works to ensure the University is well connected with its stakeholders, including staff and students. The Chair and the University Court are responsible for the University’s mission, vision and strategy, and the welfare of students and staff.

The Chair leads the Court in observing the highest standards of corporate governance, including those set out in the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance.