Jo Simpson will join the University of Nottingham as its new Commercial Director on 1 August 2023 to lead the strategic development of the University’s commercial activities.

Reporting to Chief Financial Officer Margaret Monckton, Jo will be responsible for growing commercial income from the University assets such as events, hotels, conferencing, and services rendered, generating a valuable additional source of funding for the University’s teaching and research priorities.

Chief Financial Officer Margaret Monckton said: “I am delighted to welcome Jo to Nottingham where she will take up this critical role at an important time. Commercial income is incredibly important for the University’s financial sustainability.  Jo comes to us with great experience and energy, and I am looking forward to working with her – she will be fantastic member of the University’s senior leadership team”.

Jo Simpson said: “I am excited to be joining such a prestigious institution as its Commercial Director and look forward to working with colleagues across the University to secure new income streams to support its teaching and research.”

A Fellow of Chartered Certified Accountants, Jo is currently Commercial and Facilities Director at Loughborough University where she led the creation of its Commercial Directorate and has been responsible for more than 100 staff since her appointment in 2015.

Jo’s career has also embraced senior finance and commercial roles in the public and private sectors including Nottinghamshire Learning & Skills Council from 2001, where she was responsible for financial strategy and budgetary control for all external learning providers including Further Education colleges in the region, and Greater Nottingham Tec from 1995 where she was Director of Finance and latterly Chief Executive.

As Head of Regional Service for Next plc from 1993, Jo led the development of new financial systems and process for more than 30 stores with a turnover of £625 million.

A keen sportswoman in her professional and private life, Jo is responsible for the sports facilities at Loughborough University, and is currently on the board of Sport England’s Sport Council Trading Company (SCTC).

Until recently she was the Vice Chair of British Wheelchair Basketball from London 2012 and Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk. Jo was previously CEO of Youth Sport Direct Ltd and Group Finance Director of Youth Sport Trust from 2005 to 2016.