Joanne will join Queen’s on 15 April 2019 from the University of Manchester where she is currently the Director of Operations for the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said:

"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Joanne Clague as the University's next Registrar and Chief Operating Officer. Joanne brings a wealth of experience and expertise, including developing major partnerships, that will be of great benefit to Queen's. I am sure all staff will join me in welcoming her to the University. I would also like to record my thanks and appreciation for the hard work and dedication that Wendy Galbraith brought to the role on an interim basis."

Joanne is a qualified chartered accountant with 17 years' post-qualification experience, including significant experience of leading strategic partnerships and transformational change in the higher education and healthcare sectors. Prior to her leadership role at the University of Manchester, Joanne was Chief Operating Officer of Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC). Joanne is also a Non-Executive Director of Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and has recently completed a three-year term of office as Chair of the Board of Governors at the King’s School, Chester.

Commenting on her appointment, Joanne said:

"I am delighted to have been appointed as the next Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Queen's University Belfast. I am relishing the challenge of this pivotal leadership role at such a prestigious University and look forward to working in partnership with the wider team and playing my part in helping the University achieve its ambitious plans for the future."

Following this appointment, Interim Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Wendy Galbraith, will return to her substantive role as Director of Finance.

The University looks forward to welcoming Joanne to her new role in April.