This leadership transition comes at a crucial moment, as AUG takes on an expanded role supporting the Arc Supercluster and its Skills and Talent agenda.

Since May 2021, Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, has expertly led AUG through a period of growing influence. Under his leadership, the Group strengthened its collective voice, deepened engagement with government and industry, and shaped its strategic role across the region.

“It has been a privilege to lead the Arc Universities Group through such an important phase of its development. We have laid strong foundations for the next stage of collaboration – unlocking the region’s potential through research, skills and innovation. This is about delivering benefits across the entire region, and extending that impact across the UK. The skills we develop, the facilities and expertise in our universities, and the partnerships we build with industry all play a crucial role in shaping the region’s long-term success.” Professor Alistair Fitt

Professor Roderick Watkins appointed Chair

AUG’s new Chair is Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, a long-standing contributor to the Group and one of its founding voices from the earliest Whitehall meetings in 2018.

“The Arc Universities Group is uniquely placed to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the Oxford to Cambridge region. ARU is also proud to host the Group and to help shape a skills agenda that delivers long-term benefit to our communities and innovation economy.”

Professor Roderick Watkins

Professor David Phoenix OBE named Vice-Chair

Joining as Vice-Chair is Professor David Phoenix OBE, incoming Vice-Chancellor of The Open University. A national leader in tertiary education reform and lifelong learning, Professor Phoenix brings experience from over a decade at London South Bank University and the LSBU Group – championing innovation, social mobility, and employer-led education.

AUG’s Skills and Talent focus

Backed by legacy funding from East West Rail, AUG’s current focus is on Skills and Talent – bringing together universities, employers, and policymakers across three strategic sectors:

• Technological Innovation – led by Sarah Haywood, Advanced Oxford
• Environmental Sustainability – led by Professor Aled Jones, ARU
• Creative and Cultural Industries  – led by Dr Steve Partridge, University of Hertfordshire

These areas reflect not only where the region is growing fastest, but where the workforce challenge is most urgent.

As AUG’s new leadership team takes forward this work, they are committed to ensuring the region’s universities remain central to economic success – fostering a globally-competitive, locally-rooted workforce that supports one of the UK’s most innovation-driven economies.