Sir Andrew Witty has been appointed as the University’s 7th Chancellor.

Sir Andrew, Chief Executive Officer of GlaxoSmithKline and a Nottingham alumnus, will succeed distinguished Chinese physicist Professor Yang Fujia on 1 January 2013.

Professor Yang has played a fundamental role in the University’s development since he was appointed in 2000, particularly in its increasing engagement with China.

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Professor Yang has provided outstanding assistance and guidance as our Chancellor, and the University’s position in global higher education owes much to his exceptional contribution.

“As our incoming Chancellor, Sir Andrew will provide a continuation of this excellence and bring new perspectives to the leadership of our University.

“His achievements as one of the UK’s most respected and inspiring business leaders have been a source of pride to us. I am genuinely excited by the prospect of working with him in his new role.”

Sir Andrew graduated from Nottingham in 1985 with a joint honours BA in Economics. He joined Glaxo in the same year, holding roles in the UK, South Africa, the USA and Singapore before being appointed President of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Europe in 2003.

He became Chief Executive Officer of GSK in 2008 and was knighted in the 2012 New Year Honours.

Sir Andrew said: “I am honoured to accept this position. I greatly enjoyed my time at Nottingham and it was pivotal to my choice of career. The University is a world-leader in both teaching and research, and has a long tradition of raising aspirations and supporting achievement.

“Importantly, in a time of rapid change and challenges in higher education, it is pioneering initiatives in many areas, including in biosciences and sustainability and is deepening its relationships here in the UK and internationally.”

Sir Andrew’s term of office is four years, which can be renewed subject to University Council approval.

The Chancellor’s unpaid role includes ceremonial duties, acting as an ambassador of the University and acting as a key adviser on the University’s development strategy.