We are pleased to announce Nic Johnston as our new Chief People Officer.
Nic succeeds Joanne Race who will be retiring as Director of Human Resources & Organisation Development (HR&OD) at the end of September.
Nic joined the University in 2014 and is currently Deputy HR Director (and Employment Lawyer). During this time, she has worked on a number of pan-University programmes of work and was the HR/staff lead on the University’s response to Covid-19 and hybrid working. She also has close involvement in industrial relations.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, Nic will be responsible for shaping and leading the strategic direction of our HR&OD division when she starts her new role on 1 October 2025. As a member of the University Executive Committee (UEC), she will play a key role in the development and delivery of our University Strategy, in particular our underpinning People Strategy.
Her role will include a strong focus on enabling the efficient and effective management of our staff, including diversity and wellbeing, talent management and recognition, employee relations, and remuneration policy.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: “Nic has significant experience of leadership, both of high-performing teams and of large, complex change programmes. As a qualified solicitor, Nic is skilled at explaining legal issues in an accessible way.
“She is a valued and knowledgeable colleague. We greatly look forward to her transition to this role.”
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