A NEW group chief executive has taken up his post at the University of Central Lancashire.

UCLan, which has campuses in Burnley and Preston has announced the appointment of Richard Hext who takes up his post on Monday.

His appointment follows the retirement of interim Group Chief Executive, Malcolm McVicar, a transition planned for by the Group and University Board.

The 56-year-old joins UCLan Group with a history in the international shipping industry where he has held a variety of senior executive positions.

He will assume overall accountability for performance and development with a specific focus on international business and overseas campus plans.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining such a forward thinking university group.

“The board is committed to making further investments at home while seizing opportunities in the large and growing international higher education market.

“Providing a world-class educational experience for all our students, both at home and abroad, is our shared vision and core priority.”

Mr Hext is currently non-executive chairman of Univan Ship Management Limited, a company which manages a wide range of ships for owners from all over the world.