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Professor Peter Mathieson resigns as HKU President and Vice-Chancellor University Council to initiate global search for candidates

02 Feb 2017

The University of Hong Kong announced today (February 2) that Professor Peter Mathieson has resigned from the post of President and Vice-Chancellor. The University Council will soon start a global search for candidates.

In an email to HKU members, Professor Mathieson said the decision was made out of personal reasons and after extensive discussions with his family. He will take up a new appointment as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

Professor Mathieson assumed office as the 15th President and Vice-Chancellor on a five-year term in April 2014. He will leave the post by January 2018.

Professor Mathieson pledged to continue to serve the University during his one year’s notice period.

He said: “The Senior Management Team is unanimously and heavily engaged in a process of reform towards achieving our Vision of Innovation, Interdisciplinarity and Internationalisation converging on Impact (3+1Is), and being Asia's Global University. I will remain dedicated to the task and working hard with all of you to achieve our goals. The departure of one person must not be allowed to derail the progress being made at this great and venerable University.”

“I am very optimistic about HKU’s future: it is a wonderful institution in a region of the world that is replete with further development potential. I hope to maintain a collaborative relationship with HKU in the future and to keep in close contact with you all.” He added.

Professor Arthur Li, Chairman of the University Council, said that while he was saddened by Professor Mathieson’s departure, he respected his decision and wished him all the best in his new post.

He praised Professor Mathieson for his dedicated leadership of the University and thanked him for his commitment in engaging with the different stakeholders of the University.

“Peter has laid the foundation for the strategic development over the next ten years of the University. His vision of Internationalisation, Innovation and Interdisciplinarity, converging on Impact, will not lose momentum and will continue to guide the University to new heights of academic excellence and an international reputation as Asia’s Global University.”

Professor Li said the Council will discuss transitional arrangements and initiate a global search for candidates as soon as possible.

Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Tam, on behalf of the rest of the Senior Management Team, said: “We are grateful to Professor Mathieson for his inspiring leadership over the past three years. The Senior Management Team is committed to continue in the coming year to implement, under the leadership of Professor Mathieson, the policies and initiatives set out in our strategic vision, including the strategic plan of Innovation, Interdisciplinarity and Internationalisation, converging on Impact (3+1Is), efficient resource management and capacity building etc., and move confidently forward with our plans to develop into one of the greatest universities in the world.”

For media enquiries, please contact: Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) Tel: 2859 2606, Email: pychoy@hku.hk; or Ms Melanie Wan (Senior Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) Tel: 2859 2600 Email: melwkwan@hku.hk; or Ms Rhea Leung, Manager (Media), Tel: 2857 8555, Email: rhea.leung@hku.hk.