University Executive Board
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University Executive Board
Professor Amanda Broderick (Vice-Chancellor and President)
Vice-Chancellor and President Amanda Broderick leads UEL with strategic oversight of over 2,000 staff and 40,000 students across our London and global campuses. A social scientist and Principal Fellow of the HEA, she chairs London Higher and BUCS. Her leadership spans Newcastle University London, University of Salford, and Durham University. Amanda is known for transformative innovation, including founding University Academy 92 and developing the Target Talent Curriculum. Under her leadership, UEL earned Times University of the Year 2025 (Teaching Quality) and top NSS rankings. Her research in international business and marketing psychology has been widely published and contributed to all recent UK REFs. She champions inclusive futures, health gain, and diversity in talent pipelines, with sport as a key driver of transformation.
Dean Curtis (Deputy Vice-Chancellor)
Dean Curtis oversees UEL’s financial viability and strategic operations, including finance, estates, IT, HR, and planning. A chartered public finance accountant, he began in local government and NHS finance, later serving as Director of Finance at Queen Mary University and Chief Strategy Officer. His work includes transnational education projects in China and Malta, and strategic planning for life sciences in Whitechapel. Dean joined UEL in 2018 as Chief Finance Officer and now drives institutional sustainability and operational excellence.
Professor Hassan Abdalla (Provost)
Professor Hassan Abdalla is the Provost and Vice-President (London Campus) of University of East London, where he oversees the Executive Deans of the Schools and Quality and Academic Enhancement. He has held leadership roles at De Montfort University and UEL, and published over 200 research works. His expertise spans sustainability, smart cities, engineering design, and AI. He’s secured millions in research funding and led collaborations with Ford and IBM. Abdalla serves on UKRI and EPSRC panels and advises governments and universities globally. He’s a prominent voice in debates on industrial strategy and graduate skills.
Professor Matt Bellgard (Pro-Vice Chancellor Impact & Innovation)
Professor Matt Bellgard drives UEL’s research, innovation, and sustainability agenda. He co-leads the UK Centre for AI in the Public Sector and previously directed eResearch at Queensland University of Technology. His leadership spans genomics, bioinformatics, and digital health, including chairing the APEC Rare Disease Network. He’s led multimillion-dollar projects across health, agriculture, and remote sensing. With a PhD in AI and machine learning, his work bridges academia, industry, and government to deliver impactful solutions. Read Matt's staff profile.
Professor Bugewa Apampa (Pro-Vice Chancellor Education & Experience)
Professor Bugewa Apampa fosters inclusive, student-ready learning environments at UEL. A pharmacist and Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, she’s held leadership roles at Kent, Sussex, and Birmingham City University. Her work focuses on equity, curriculum design, and access for disadvantaged students. She’s one of 41 Black British female professors in the UK and has received multiple teaching awards. Bugewa champions anti-racist education and transformative learning through evidence-based practices.
Professor Paul Marshall (Pro-Vice-Chancellor Careers & Enterprise)
Professor Paul Marshall leads UEL’s global partnerships, enterprise, and employability strategy. He’s driven Vision 2028 and embedded the Mental Wealth framework across curricula. Under his leadership, UEL ranks 2nd in the UK for graduate start-ups and among the top five for transnational education. His previous roles include CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools and Executive Director of the 1994 Group. A Fellow of the RSA and IoD, Paul combines academic leadership with strategic innovation.
Jim Benson (University Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer)
Jim Benson oversees governance, legal services, and compliance at UEL. With 30+ years in higher education, he’s held roles at London South Bank University, Brunel, and LSE. He’s also worked with the Royal Colleges of Physicians and led social inclusion initiatives with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Jim holds qualifications in law, governance, and arbitration, and is a mediator. His career reflects a deep commitment to ethical leadership and institutional integrity.
Vanessa Varvas (Chief Marketing Officer)
Vanessa Varvas leads UEL’s engagement strategy, covering marketing, recruitment, brand, digital, alumni, and external affairs. She’s transformed UEL’s brand and student recruitment through innovative campaigns and digital platforms. Her experience spans Newcastle University, INTO, and Royal Holloway. Vanessa champions inclusive engagement and co-designs initiatives with industry to enhance student outcomes. She’s a CIPR Accredited Practitioner, trustee of AoC Sport, and advocate for education’s role in social transformation.
Sophie Bowen (Chief Student Officer)
Sophie Bowen leads UEL’s student transformation programme, overseeing services from libraries to student unions. With 25+ years in HE, she’s held senior roles at Birmingham, St George’s, Middlesex, and served on AHUA and HESA boards. A first-generation graduate from Oxford, she holds an MBA and MPhil in Sociology. Sophie drives student experience strategy, equity, and operational excellence, ensuring UEL delivers a supportive and empowering environment for all learners.
