Hartpury University and Hartpury College has appointed its next vice-chancellor, principal and CEO.

Professor Andy Collop, who is currently deputy vice-chancellor of De Montfort University (DMU), will take up the post when Russell Marchant retires in September 2022.

Russell Marchant has spent 10 years as principal, vice-chancellor and CEO at Hartpury, and 41 consecutive years working in land-based education in both England and Scotland, including 22 years at principal level.

Under his leadership, Hartpury University gained full university status in 2018 and now ranks in the top 20 in the UK for teaching quality, whilst the college is rated Ofsted 'Outstanding' and is the highest achieving land-based college in England. Over the last decade, Hartpury has seen significant growth, transforming into a learning community of more than 4,000 further and higher education students.

Hartpury University and College has ambitious plans to continue to innovate and develop and is therefore pleased to appoint Professor Collop, who has a career in education spanning 25 years.

Since 2015, he has been deputy vice-chancellor at DMU, having served as interim vice-chancellor between 2019 and 2021. He joined DMU in 2011 as pro vice-chancellor and dean of the faculty of technology and also served as PVC research and innovation.

After completing a PhD in mechanical/ civil engineering at the University of Cambridge, Professor Collop was appointed to a lectureship in the department of civil engineering at the University of Nottingham in 1996. He progressed rapidly through the academic ranks to a personal chair in civil engineering in 2004, and in 2006 was awarded a DSc for his research into road and rail track engineering.

He has been an investigator on research grants and contracts worth in excess of £15 million and has published more than 180 journal and conference papers. On a personal level, he enjoys equestrian activities including eventing and show jumping.

Edward Keene, chair of the board of governors at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, said: "Following an extensive selection process, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Collop.

"His wealth of experience and understanding of Hartpury's values and mission will be invaluable to drive our ambitious plans at this exciting period of development, building on the enormous progress that has been made in recent years."

Professor Andy Collop said: "I am honoured to be invited to lead Hartpury University and College on the next exciting stage of its journey.

"Hartpury has an outstanding reputation as one of the UK's leading specialist providers, providing high quality education focused on performance, people and passion. I look forward to building on Hartpury's strengths and the fantastic legacy that Russell Marchant has created."

Russell Marchant said: "It has been a privilege to be vice-chancellor and principal of Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

"I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved over the last decade, working with our talented and passionate community of staff and students to develop Hartpury as two outstanding specialist institutions. I look forward to seeing Hartpury continue to thrive under the strategic direction of Professor Collop."