Harper Adams appoints its inaugural Chief Operating Officer

Posted 6 January 2023

Harper Adams University has announced the appointment of Jo Horsburgh as its inaugural Chief Operating Officer following an extensive search and selection exercise. 

This new role brings together the Professional Services areas covering people and culture, technology, space and infrastructure, alongside other key areas including catering, health and safety, and compliance. 

A key priority for the role will be to ensure that the University’s professional services are developed and deliver in ways which deliver the best outcomes for its students, employees, alumni, community stakeholders and partners.

Jo brings extensive experience from the higher education, commercial, and local government sectors, all of which will be invaluable in taking on this role.

Her career has spanned HR and culture in the university and engineering sectors, management consulting, and change management in local government and higher education.  Jo has served as both a Deputy Registrar and then Registrar and Secretary across two Russell Group universities and understands the role that strategic service leadership and programme delivery can have to a university delivering on its strategic ambitions.

The appointing panel were impressed by the breadth and depth of relevant experience that Jo demonstrated, as well as the impressive preparation she had undertaken prior to the selection process.  She showed a clear appreciation of the distinctive nature and purpose of Harper Adams University, as well an enthusiastic commitment to what it is planning to achieve over the coming years.

In confirming Jo’s appointed, Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan said: “I am delighted that Jo has accepted the position as Harper Adams University’s inaugural Chief Operating Officer.

“We were pleased that the search resulted in a significant number of high-quality applications.  The calibre and experience of the candidates seen in the final round was outstanding. Jo demonstrated how her expansive experience to date is relevant to the University’s needs, and how she will be able to make a significant contribution to the next stage of our development.

“We will launch the University’s new strategic plan in Spring 2023 and I am delighted that Jo will be on board to contribute significantly to us delivering on our ambitions. I am grateful to Gatenby Sanderson for their expert support for this appointment.”

On accepting the role, Jo said: “I am really looking forward to joining Harper Adams University as the inaugural Chief Operating Officer and am delighted to be offered the role.

“The University’s vision to be regarded as the UK’s leading, and an internationally recognised university for food production, animal health, and sustainable, living environments has such critical importance for today’s world and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to the University’s continued success.

“I have very much enjoyed meeting staff, students and Governors during my visits to the University and I look forward to joining you all as part of the University community.”

Jo will join the University later in the Spring Term of 2023.