The University of East Anglia has appointed a new vice chancellor after the previous post-holder resigned amid ongoing financial turmoil.

Professor David Maguire will take on the position at a "significant period of transformation and change" as the institution seeks to secure its future financial stability.

It comes after the university announced a wave of job losses and warnings it faced a budget deficit of £45m in the next three years.

Norwich Evening News: Professor David Maguire takes over following revelations the institution is facing financial turmoilProfessor David Maguire takes over following revelations the institution is facing financial turmoil

The new vice-chancellor has previously held the role at the University of Greenwich and was also Interim Vice-Chancellor at the University of Dundee and the University of Sussex.

Prof Maguire said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead UEA through this period of change. UEA is a special institution and has much to be proud of as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

"I hope to bring my experience, drive and energy to this great University and build on its excellent reputation for teaching, research and student experience."  

Norwich Evening News: David Richardson, who resigned as vice chancellor in FebruaryDavid Richardson, who resigned as vice chancellor in February (Image: UEA)

Professor Maguire takes over from David Richardson, who had been at the university for more than 30 years before leaving in February.

His resignation followed the institution suffering a £13.9m loss in the 2021-2022 academic year.

The university has blamed its struggles on a combination of rising energy costs - which it says have increased by around £5m in the past year - reduced student numbers and a greater number of dropouts.

Dr Sally Howes OBE, Chair of UEA Council, added: “David has immense strategic and financial planning expertise across the academic, public and private sectors with a track record of delivering success. He will lead us through a time of significant transformation and change as we work to secure our future financial sustainability.  

“I am confident he will support our university community to continue to deliver outstanding and impactful research and education and drive success as a world-leading dual-intensive University for generations of staff and students to come.”  

Current Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Christine Bovis-Cnossen, will continue in post until David joins in May.