UEL announces new Chancellor
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Published
01 August 2025
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The University of East London is proud to announce the appointment of Aamer Ahmad Sarfraz, the Lord Sarfraz of Kensington, as its new Chancellor.
A respected member of the House of Lords and a prominent figure in business, politics and philanthropy, Lord Sarfraz brings significant global expertise to UEL at a defining moment in its institutional development.
His appointment strengthens UEL’s strategic delivery of Vision 2028 - the University’s 10-year transformation plan to become the UK’s leading careers-first university, rooted in industry collaboration, sustainability, inclusion, and real-world impact.
As Chancellor, Lord Sarfraz will serve as an ambassador for UEL, supporting students, staff, and alumni while promoting the university’s mission to transform lives through careers-focused learning and innovation.
Lord Sarfraz said:
I am deeply honoured to be the new Chancellor for University of East London.
UEL has a proud history of serving its diverse communities, opening doors to opportunity, and equipping students with the skills and mindset to shape the future. I look forward to championing its work and supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators."
Lord Sarfraz is a strong advocate for innovation, social mobility, and future-focused policymaking, areas at the heart of UEL’s transformation under Vision 2028. The University’s mission is to prepare students not just for today’s jobs, but for tomorrow’s careers, equipping them with the skills, confidence and mindset to thrive in an evolving world of work. This mission is delivered through the careers-first curriculum, the UEL Careers Guarantee, and a growing portfolio of industry-engaged research and enterprise activity.
Lord Sarfraz’s career as a venture capitalist and founder of NetZeroAg, a company supporting sustainable farming in developing regions, reflects Vision 2028’s emphasis on economic empowerment and climate leadership. He also serves as a Senior Advisor to several publicly-listed technology companies, including in enterprise AI, cloud computing, and electric vehicles, as well as to multiple technology funds. His philanthropic work through the Lord Sarfraz Foundation is focused on opportunity and education.
Lord Sarfraz was nominated to the House of Lords in 2019 and became Baron Sarfraz of Kensington in 2020, one of the youngest peers in Parliament at the time. He has served in several prominent roles, including Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Singapore (2022–24). He currently sits on the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.
He holds degrees from Boston University, the London School of Economics, and the Royal College of Defence Studies.
Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice Chancellor and President, UEL said:
Lord Sarfraz’s appointment as Chancellor is a celebratory moment for the University. He shares our deep commitment to building a careers-first environment where students can thrive, and his leadership on sustainability mirrors our goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030.
We look forward to working with him to inspire our students and graduates, who make up one of the most diverse populations in UK higher education, and we know he will be an excellent ambassador for our mission and values.”
Lord Sarfraz’s appointment comes during UEL’s Year of Health - a cross-university initiative that amplifies UEL’s leadership in health, wellbeing and sustainability through education, research and community engagement.
His expertise in health innovation and climate sustainability will further support UEL’s ambitions to tackle complex societal challenges and scale the impact of its practice-based research.
As Chancellor, Lord Sarfraz will play a key role in sustaining this momentum, advocating for UEL’s mission to shape the future of education, work and society.