Yekemi Otaru officially becomes UWS Chancellor

Yekemi Otaru has today officially become UWS’s new Chancellor. Yekemi, whose appointment was announced in July, has formally taken up the role, succeeding Dame Elish Angiolini.

Yekemi is an inspirational entrepreneur renowned for her passionate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. She is a tireless supporter of women in business and an active mentor of business owners in the world’s poorest countries.

Yekemi also holds four degrees and has considerable industrial experience in engineering and marketing. She is Co-Founder and Executive Director at Doqaru Limited, a prominent Aberdeen-based sales and marketing consultancy and a board member of Interface.

I am delighted to start my role as Chancellor at the University of the West of the Scotland, following the announcement of my appointment in July. It’s an incredibly exciting time in the life of the University.

Yekemi Otaru, Chancellor of UWS

“UWS leads the way in knowledge transfer partnerships and is the most successful Scottish university in widening access. I already feel like part of the UWS family and I look forward to visiting the Scottish campuses later this month.”

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, added: “I am delighted with Yekemi’s appointment as the University’s Chancellor-elect. Yekemi’s values very much align with those of UWS, from her passion for advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to her commitment to enterprise, and her appointment is reflective of our strategic mission to make a positive difference to wider society.

Yekemi is a remarkable example of entrepreneurship and a tremendous role model for our students and wider University community. I am delighted to welcome her to the UWS family.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

“I would also like to pay tribute to Dame Elish Angiolini, who has been an outstanding Chancellor and ambassador for the University. I am deeply grateful for the committed and inspirational role she has played in our UWS community.”

As Chancellor, Yekemi will hold formal powers to confer degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions, and will represent UWS at key events as an advocate and dignitary.

Yekemi will be officially installed early next year during an installation ceremony.

You can watch a special message from Yekemi to staff and students at UWS here.