Professor Andy Collop has taken up the post of vice-chancellor, principal and CEO at Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

Professor Collop, who formerly held the position of deputy vice-chancellor of De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester, takes up the post following the retirement of Russell Marchant over the summer.

Since 2015, he has been deputy vice-chancellor at DMU, having served as interim vice-chancellor between 2019 and 2021. Professor Collop joined DMU in 2011 as pro vice-chancellor and dean of the Faculty of Technology.

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 has been an investigator on research grants and contracts worth more than £15 million and has published more than 180 journal and conference papers.

He enjoys equestrian activities, including eventing and show jumping. This is particularly fitting, given Hartpury's strong reputation in the sector.

Professor Andy Collop said: "It's an honour and a privilege to be leading Hartpury University and Hartpury College during this incredibly exciting phase of its journey.

"Hartpury has rightfully earned an outstanding reputation as one of the UK's leading specialist providers, endorsed by several prestigious accolades and awards. I look forward to working with the team to provide the highest quality education in an environment based around performance, people and passion."

Edward Keene, chair of the board of governors at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, said: "I'm delighted to formally welcome Professor Collop to his position on behalf of the board of governors.

"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. We look forward to working closely with him in the months and years to come."