University of Leeds hires new chief operating officer

The University of Leeds has hired Rachel Brealey as the university’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO), starting April 15, 2022.

In Brealey’s new role, she will oversee the university's leadership, management, and effective operation along with the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor. She will also build productive partnerships, both internally and externally, drive transformational change and contribute to the new university strategy.

She has worked in the higher education sector for 25 years in various roles such as corporate services, external relations, faculty operations, planning, and student recruitment and admissions. Brealey is currently the director of faculty operations in biology, medicine and health at the University of Manchester.

Brealey said in a statement: “I’m delighted to be joining the University of Leeds as COO at such an exciting point in the implementation of the new ten-year strategy.

“The specific focus on people at the heart of the strategy and the ambition to be a truly values-led organisation provides an ideal basis from which to work in partnership with academic and professional services colleagues and our students to successfully deliver this vision and make a difference in the world.”