The University is pleased to announce that Professor Phil Allmendinger will take up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, following approval of the appointment by Council with the support of Senate.

Professor Allmendinger joins Bath from the University of Cambridge, where he is a fellow of Clare College and has held a number of roles since joining as Professor of Land Economy in 2008. Most recently he was Head of the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences for five years, special advisor to the Vice-Chancellor on City and Regional Affairs and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. His academic background is in urban planning and his most recent research has explored the impacts of digital technology upon cities.

In his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bath, Phil will have wide-ranging responsibilities, from playing a leading role in institutional and financial strategic planning, the delivery of academic outputs working closely with the Deans, to organisational resourcing, strategic appointments and senior-level external engagement.

Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor and President, said:

“I am delighted that we will be joined by Professor Allmendinger early next year, in the crucial role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Phil has a huge range of relevant experience, covering student recruitment, research, education, developing international and civic partnerships, leading administrative and professional support and resource allocation. His skills and experience will be a real asset to our community, and I know he will be made very welcome here when he joins in early 2022.”

Professor Allmendinger said:

“I'm really excited about joining the University and returning to Bath, a city where I lived whilst working in local government after graduation. It’s been a pleasure to meet so many members of the community already, and I am keen to get to know even more about the University over the coming months. I look forward to working alongside you all as I play my part in helping to deliver Our University, Our Future”.

Phil studied Town Planning at Edinburgh College of Art, a course that included a sandwich year and annual work-based placements. His PhD was undertaken part-time whilst working in local government and he completed a Diploma in Law at the Open University whilst at Cambridge.

Before working at the University of Cambridge, Professor Allmendinger’s career saw him take up leadership and lecturing roles at the Universities of Reading and Aberdeen and Heriot-Watt University. He worked in local government for five years and currently is the University of Cambridge member of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, the City Deal for the area. He advises the UK Government on city and regional planning.

Professor Allmendinger begins his term at the University of Bath on 1 March 2022.