The Board of Governors at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has confirmed the appointment of Lisa Mann as the University's permanent Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (VC&CEO).
This appointment will take effect from 1 March 2026.
Lisa joined AUB in December 2022 as Executive Director of Innovation before her promotion to Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2024.
Succeeding Professor Paul Gough when he retired from the post in December 2024, Lisa was initially appointed in a temporary capacity as VC&CEO.
In her role as Executive Director of Innovation, Lisa prioritised the development of a distinctive course portfolio across the Undergraduate and Postgraduate schools, introducing a range of new courses and a new Undergraduate school focusing on the leadership and management of the arts and creative industries.
“It is a great honour to be appointed Vice-Chancellor and CEO of AUB," Lisa says. "In recent years, the University has worked hard to evolve, innovate and grow, strengthening its position as a leading destination for nurturing creative talent and preparing students for successful careers in the arts."
Before joining AUB, Lisa built extensive experience in both public and private higher education. She served as Head of Higher Education at the Fashion Retail Academy, the industry-led college founded by Next, M&S, F&F and Experian.
Prior to that, she was Principal Academic Director at Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design, where she worked closely with the CEO to develop the academic portfolio, including the launch of Online Insights courses and bespoke global executive education programmes for Burberry.
Dorothy Mackenzie, Chair of the Board of Governors at AUB, says, “We are thrilled to appoint Lisa as our permanent VC&CEO. Lisa has made a substantial contribution to the University through her work as Executive Director of Innovation, Deputy VC, and temporary VC&CEO.
“The Board is confident that Lisa brings the commitment, focus, values and leadership capability required to guide AUB through the development and delivery of the University’s new, soon-to-be-launched strategy, and to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the University.
"Lisa’s strong commercial insight, proactive mindset, and passion for making quality Higher Education available to all, makes her the ideal person to lead AUB now.”
