A new Chair of Council has been appointed following a competitive recruitment process. Council is the governing body of the University, responsible for setting the overall strategic direction and providing oversight of delivery against the strategic plan.
Sharon Flood will take up the role on 1 November 2025 for an initial period of three years. She brings with her extensive non-executive experience across the commercial, not for profit and public sectors including as Chair of the Audit & Risk and Treasury Committees for Network Rail and Trustee and Chair of Finance for the Science Museum Group. Sharon’s governance experience builds on a successful executive career in Finance and Strategy, including as Finance Director of John Lewis Department stores and as an operating partner for Sun European.
As a graduate of the University of Bath, Sharon knows the institution well. She has been actively involved in Bath’s alumni network and a supporter of the Gold Scholarship Programme. In addition, Sharon has six years of experience as an external Trustee of the University of Cambridge, giving her insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the Higher Education sector today.
Sharon Flood said:
I am delighted to be appointed to this role at an exciting time for the University. As an alumna, I feel a strong sense of connection to the University of Bath and want to see it thrive. The role of Chair provides a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the institution’s development. I look forward to working with all those involved in governance at the university, including the talented Council membership, and with the Vice-Chancellor and senior team. I’m also looking forward to connecting more widely with the wonderful community of students and staff at the university.
Tim Ford, Chair of the Appointments Committee, said:
The Appointments Committee was extremely impressed with Sharon’s deep knowledge, broad experience and her calm, strategic and insightful approach. I know she will be a real asset to the University and Council looks forward to welcoming her later this year.
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor & President, said:
It is so important for any university to have a strong, challenging but supportive partnership between the Council and the Executive. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Pamela Chesters CBE who has been at the head of the University’s governing body since April 2019 and I know there will be plenty of opportunities before the end of her term to thank her fully for her extremely valuable contributions.
Looking ahead, I’m so pleased that Sharon will be rejoining the university in the role of Chair and particularly excited by the global experience she will bring, as well as her financial and strategic strengths. I look forward to working with Sharon on the next chapter for the University of Bath.
Find out more about the University of Bath’s Council