Four governors appointed to University Court

Four new lay governors have been appointed to University of the West of Scotland’s governing body - the University Court.

Alex Gubbay, Ahsan Mallick, Christopher Morgan and Kenny Murdoch come from a range of diverse career backgrounds, and bring a wealth of experience to their posts.

Kate Allum, UWS Chair of Court, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Alex, Ahsan, Christopher and Kenny to the University Court.

“They have all enjoyed tremendous success in their careers, and their experience and knowledge will allow them to provide valuable insight for the benefit of UWS. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

Alex Gubbay brings more than 20 years’ digital transformation experience with large global media businesses, including The Walt Disney Company and the BBC. Most recently, he was Director, Digital Product and Design for EMEA at Disney, and prior to that was Director, Digital Product and Operations at Johnston Press. Alex was also the first Social Media Editor for BBC News, and held several digital leadership roles for BBC Sport during his 12 years at the corporation.

Ahsan Mallick, who has been appointed Remuneration Committee Chair Elect, is Founder/Partner of Relevate LLP, a management consultancy specialising in investment portfolios of small private companies. He served as General Counsel and Executive Board Director for more than 12 years to SEI, a global asset management custodian and outsource technology and operations provider to banks, funds and wealth managers. Before joining SEI, Ahsan was in-house counsel for HSBS and practiced as a barrister for several years. With SEI, he set up and managed the Board’s Remuneration and Nominations Committees, and led the Board through the firms’ remuneration issues including senior management compensation, policies and associated risks and controls.

Christopher Morgan is a practising solicitor and qualified company secretary, having practised throughout the UK, Japan and the USA. Along with his role at UWS, Christopher is a Non-Executive Director and Audit and Risk Committee member at the Inverclyde based social housing landlord, River Clyde Homes, and Chair of its commercial repairs and maintenance subsidiary, Home Fix Scotland. Christopher is also a Trustee of Back Up, a national charity supporting and inspiring people affected by spinal cord injury, a Non-Executive Director at a Royal Borough of Kensingston and Chelsea Operation, he is involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and is a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Regulatory and Nomination Committees.

Kenny Murdoch, a UWS alumni, is Chief Financial Officer and Board Director at Excellence Logging, a company providing services to the energy sector. He has more than 30 years of global experience in the energy, retail and e-commerce sectors and has held leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Rolls Royce, Schlumberger, Maersk and Staples. Kenny has lived and worked in nine countries in the European, Russian, Middle Eastern, North American and Far Eastern regions. He has operated as a CFO of stock market listed, private equity owned and majority family-owned firms. Kenny was recently nominated as a GlobalScot. Under this Scottish Government backed initiative, he will act on a voluntary basis as a Business Advisor, providing support to Scottish businesses seeking to expand internationally. He also volunteers as a mentor via Everwise, a global platform, where he coaches executives at some of the world’s leading and most innovative companies. Kenny has been appointed to membership of the University’s Audit and Risk Committee.