A NEW head has been appointed to the association that represents York St John University, the University of York and ten higher education institutions in Yorkshire.

Emily Wolton has been named as the new executive director of Yorkshire Universities, replacing Prof Roger Lewis who retired at the end of December.

Emily joined Yorkshire Universities as development manager in 2006 and has seen the organisation develop in response to changing regional and national higher education priorities.

Prof David Fleming, vice chancellor of York St John and chairman to the board of directors of Yorkshire Universities, said: “Emily brings experience and her own vision to this important role and I am confident that she will make it a success. The board is committed to a three-year strategic plan to strengthen our contribution to stakeholders in and beyond Yorkshire and we believe that Emily’s in-depth understanding of the region and sector will help us to deliver that ambition.”