London South Bank University (LSBU) is delighted to announce former DfE Director General Paul Kett as its new Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of LSBU Group.
Paul is an exceptional leader who has an accomplished track record in education. A specialist in policy, skills, employability and transformation, he was Director General at the Department for Education (DfE) between 2016-2022. He was responsible for overseeing the post-16 education and training system in England and principal advisor to the Secretary of State on higher education, further education and adult skills.
Paul will join LSBU from PwC where he is Senior Adviser and Global Director, Education and Skills, and works with a wide range of education and training providers and employers. His recent work across the UK sector has championed the role of universities as drivers for growth and highlighted the need for action to secure the financial sustainability that underpins this.
As VC and CEO, he succeeds Professor David Phoenix OBE and will lead the development of transformative student and staff experiences across the LSBU Group institutions – London South Bank University, South Bank Colleges and South Bank Academies – while growing education and research and strengthening industry and community engagement.
A unique role in the sector, this is the first external CEO appointment to LSBU Group which was formed in 2019.
Dr Andreas Raffel, Chair of the LSBU Board of Governors who led the recruitment process, said: “Paul brings expertise in both Higher and Further Education to this critical role, through his roles at PwC and the Government, combined with strategic vision and commercial acumen. Joining us from outside the HE sector, he brings different insight and valuable experience that will serve us well.
“His empathy for the important work we do for our students and partners in London made him the ideal choice to guide the LSBU Group through the challenging education environment.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Paul Kett said: “I am honoured to be joining the LSBU Group. I have long championed the power of pathways to support and enable people to achieve their potential, particularly through further education colleges and universities working in partnership. LSBU Group provides compelling pathways that enable people to thrive and ensure London has the skilled people needed to drive growth.
“While there are many challenges facing the tertiary sector from which LSBU Group is not immune, our community has the ideas and imagination to overcome them.
“Having adopted south London as my home over 15 years ago, I am excited to serve our staff, students and wonderful, diverse community as they realise their potential and in turn power London’s economy, public services and civic life.”
Paul will take up the post in September 2025.