Almond, director of commercial services for Royal Holloway, University of London, is stepping into the role of chair taking over from Stewart Ross (University of Leeds), at the end of July 2019.
She said: “We are enormously sad to see Stewart step down after an exciting period of positive change and momentum here at CUBO. I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of all our members to thank him for his commitment and dedication over the past few years. He has made an immense contribution to our industry.
“However, we now look to the future and I am delighted to be picking up the mantle at a time of potential uncertainty and challenge within the higher education sector.
“Never has the role of commercial services (CUBO members), been so vital in securing and maintaining forward revenue streams and new partners, as we consider potential changes in student demographics that may result from Brexit, alongside expected changes in funding and possible shortfalls that could result from the Philip Augar Review.”
The role of chair elect now goes to Jo Hardman, head of commercial services for Lancaster University, who will take over the role of chair in one years’ time (August 2020).
Almond added: “CUBO has a growing role to play across the sector in supporting and sharing best practice across its membership, helping them deliver innovation, inspiration and in the pioneering of new commercial services and associated features. Services, which together with the support of professional partners, have helped make our UK universities amongst the best in the world”.
Other members of the new CUBO Board are:
- Julie Barker: non-executive director, public relations and media (former chair of TUCO and founder of Julie Barker Associates)
- Bryan Caroll: housing codes and standards (deputy director estates and facilities, Solent University)
- Jon Greenwood: commercial partnerships (director of commercial partnerships, University of York)
- Kirsty Woodward: conference chair (director of campus services, University of Leicester)
- Jane Donachy: membership (associate director, catering, retail and accommodation services – University of the Arts, London)
- Richard McGloin: finance, non-executive director of CUBO (recently retired from Sheffield Hallam)
- Richard Kington: international partnerships (director, accommodation, catering and events, University of Edinburgh)
- David McKown: training and professional development (Head of Training and Quality, Accommodation and Commercial Services, University of Sheffield)