We’re
delighted to announce space industry pioneer and leading business executive
Will Whitehorn as the next Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier.
The
Edinburgh-born President of industry group UKspace takes up his post at the
University on August 1, taking over from current Chancellor Dr David Eustace.
A
former executive at the Virgin Group, Will also holds boardroom roles at The
Scottish Gallery Employee Ownership Trust, Scottish Event Campus, Craneware, Good
Energy and ÅAC Clyde Space AB. His business interests include travel,
technology and communication as well as leadership, marketing and product
design.
As
Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier, he will become the titular head of the
institution and will confer degrees and other awards of the University.
Educated
at Edinburgh Academy and the University of Aberdeen, Will spent his early
career as a crewman on North Sea search-and-rescue helicopters.
After
stints at Thomas Cook, TSB Group and Lombard Communications, he was recruited
to Virgin to boost the Group’s image in the City, and became a key lieutenant
to Sir Richard Branson. As Brand Development and Corporate Affairs Director, he
was at the heart of the entertainment, media and travel giant’s relentless
quest for new business opportunities.
Will
worked on a series of major Virgin projects, including the Pendolino train, and
later took up the post of President at Virgin Galactic, which saw him play a
central role in developing the concept of commercial space travel.
After
moving on from Virgin Galactic, he returned to brand and communications work,
also holding board positions at Purplebricks, Stagecoach and Transport Systems
Catapult.
Will
said, “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as the new Chancellor of this
great University in the city I was born and raised in. I have a lot to thank
Edinburgh for and I have a lot to thank my own good fortune for in achieving a
place at the University of Aberdeen in 1977 and I never forget it. My career
has been founded in my education.
“University
should be an adventure and Edinburgh Napier does a better job of fulfilling
that dream for students than many educational institutions around the country
can even dream of. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play my small
part in taking the achievements of the University to new heights.
“But
there are great challenges for education in Scotland in the political and
economic minefields that lie ahead, and I am also mindful of the great
responsibility I will also have in helping students and academics alike to
navigate that future.”
Edinburgh
Napier Principal and Vice Chancellor Andrea Nolan added, “I am delighted that
Will is taking on the role of Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.
“His
exciting and varied business background will serve as inspiration to our
students, who will be keen to engage with him on campus and find out what makes
him tick as they set out to make their own mark on the world. His enthusiasm
and passion for innovation and entrepreneurialism will equally inspire our
staff, and all who align with our values. He will be a worthy successor to
David Eustace, who brought deep commitment and energy to the role during his
six years at the University.”