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University appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Published: 1 August 2018 at 11:11

James Rolfe

James Rolfe to lead on student experience and innovation at Anglia Ruskin

Anglia Ruskin University has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to lead on student experience, corporate development and innovation.

James Rolfe will join Anglia Ruskin from his current role as Executive Director of Resources at the London Borough of Enfield. In this role, James is the council’s Chief Finance Officer, leads the council’s transformation programmes, and also leads the council’s customer service, leisure, culture and libraries teams. 

James is also Managing Director of Housing Gateway Limited – Enfield’s innovative housing company – and leads on Enfield’s entrepreneurial, commercial and procurement activity for Enfield’s trading entities.  

Before joining Enfield, James worked in Adult Social Services at a major county council, and spent 16 years in the Civil Service, including 10 in Whitehall.  He has an MBA from Cranfield University, and is a qualified accountant.

James, who will commence his new role at Anglia Ruskin in October, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this important role at Anglia Ruskin University. This is an exciting time for everyone at Anglia Ruskin, with a new School of Medicine due to open in September.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on ensuring students have a great experience at the university, continuing the university’s strong track record on innovation – which I know is something that Anglia Ruskin prides itself on – providing excellent strategies to help the university meet its aims, and working with partners across the public and private sectors.”

Professor Iain Martin, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, said: “James’ extensive portfolio of experience will complement the strengths of the leadership team and I am delighted to welcome him to Anglia Ruskin.”