21 Feb 2000

University names new Principal

The University of Dundee today appointed Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of the NHS Executive in England, to the post of Principal and Vice Chancellor from 1 September 2000. Sir Alan will succeed Dr Ian Graham-Bryce on his retirement after six years at the University.

The most senior health service manager in the UK, Glasgow-born Sir Alan Langlands is currently the Secretary of State for Health's principal policy adviser for the NHS. As accounting officer, he is responsible to Parliament for the stewardship of funds totalling £40 billion.

Following special meetings today (Monday 21 Feb) of the University's academic body, the Senate, and of the University's governing body, the University Court, Chairman of Court and Convener of the Appointing Committee Mr Larry Rolland said: "The University of Dundee has grown greatly in both size and reputation in recent years. Sir Alan Langlands clearly brings the highest calibre and depth of experience to the position of Principal and Vice Chancellor. He will lead the University into a challenging and vigorous new era. We are extremely pleased that he is coming to Dundee and we look forward to working with him."

Sir Alan Langlands said:
"I am honoured to have been invited to lead the University of Dundee as it faces the challenges of the 21st century.

"Building on the present commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship and pure and applied research, my aim will be to create an environment in which every student and every member of staff can reach their full potential.

"The University's intellectual capital and its research capacity will play a key role in building a knowledge economy in Scotland. I particularly look forward to working in partnership with colleagues from Dundee City Council, Scottish Enterprise Tayside and from schools and other higher education institutions in the region to promote economic, social and cultural development for the benefit of local people.

"My wife Elizabeth and I are very pleased to be returning to Scotland."

Born in 1952, Alan Langlands was educated in Glasgow at Allan Glen's School and the University of Glasgow. He joined the NHS in Scotland in 1974 as a graduate trainee and gained rapid promotion. He managed major teaching hospitals in Edinburgh and London and has held senior health authority posts. He led the healthcare practice at Towers Perrin, an international firm of management consultants in the late 1980s.

From 1990/92 he was the Regional General Manager of North West Thames Regional Health Authority. During 1993 he was seconded to the Department of Health as Deputy Chief Executive before taking up his present post. As Chief Executive he has developed an inclusive style of policy making and has worked continuously to strengthen the scientific and education base of the NHS. He has well developed Government and industry-wide networks.

Alan Langlands is a science graduate of the University of Glasgow. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Warwick Business School and a member of the Board of the Business School. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. He is a member of the governing Council and the Court of the University of York.

He received a Knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1998 for services to the NHS.

Sir Alan Langlands becomes the fifth to hold the office of Principal and Vice Chancellor since the University achieved independent status in 1967. Previous Principals have been:
James Drever 1967-78
Adam Neville 1978-1987
Michael Hamlin 1987-1994
Ian Graham-Bryce 1994-2000/ends