'Experienced and effective public sector leader appointed to new vice-principal role' University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) appoints Vicki Nairn – who lives in the Highlands, to a post that will oversee development of professional services

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) says it has appointed an "experienced and effective public sector leader" to a new vice-principal role.

Vicki Nairn has been appointed as vice-principal operations at the UHI and will lead on the design, development and service delivery of the university's professional services which support both the academic and corporate areas, and the management of strategic change programmes.

Vicki Nairn joins the UHI from Robert Gordon University where she is currently vice principal corporate operations, leading the development, delivery and implementation of corporate, financial, commercial and resource strategies.

Professor Todd Walker, principal and vice-chancellor, said he was delighted to appoint this second vice-principal to his senior executive team. He said: "It is a privilege, as a vice-chancellor, to welcome a second new vice-principal to our senior team during the course of only one week.

"Vicki Nairn brings significant experience to this new role. She knows our partnership and operating area well, having served as an independent member of the university court and having spent 11 years as a member of the leadership team at the Highland Council. Vicki has also been appointed by the Scottish Government to the board of NHS Education for Scotland, which designs and delivers education and training for our NHS. She is an experienced public sector leader, delivering award winning and innovative outcomes in large and complex organisations.

"Vicki will work with the rest of our senior team to lead our ‘daring to be different' ethos, harness our energy and set new ambitions to bring values of public service, integrity and a commitment to the transformative power of education."

Vicki Nairn lives in the Black Isle and is looking forward to starting in the new year, she said: "I am honoured to have been chosen to join the university and am looking forward to working with colleagues across the university partnership to deliver the new ‘Daring to be different' strategic plan.

"I have lived and worked across the north of Scotland for many years. So, I am delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with new colleagues, partners, stakeholders, business and communities to harness and enhance the amazing and transformational potential we have in our region.

Vicki Nairn will take up her post in February 2022.

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