Announcement of appointments to the Board of Governors

These new members join the Board of Governors for the start of the 2025-26 academic year, coinciding with the planned launch of the new University strategy, Manchester 2035. Along with other Board members, the new appointees will form a key role in monitoring and steering successful implementation of the new strategy. 

The Chair of the Board, Philippa Hird says: “I am thrilled that we have been able to attract Sarah and Matthew to join the Board of Governors, and I very much look forward to working with them as we move to the launch and then the exciting delivery phase of the new strategy.” 

The two new members are: 

Sarah Munby 

After serving as the Permanent Secretary in the UK Government, first at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and then establishing the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Sarah stood down from government service this summer. Prior to joining government, Sarah worked as a Partner at McKinsey and Company. She was a Board member at UK Government Investments from 2020 to 2024. 

Sarah says: "I am delighted to be joining the Board of Governors at such an exciting and pivotal time in its history, as the University builds on its regional, national and international impact and prepares for the challenges of its third century.” 

Matthew Scullion 

Matthew is a successful entrepreneur with a strong track record in founding and scaling technology businesses. He is the co-founder (in 2011) and Chief Executive Officer of Matillion, a global technology business and unicorn in the data and AI sector, based in Manchester. 

Matthew says: “I am thrilled to be joining the Board as the University builds on its legacy of inspiring innovation and creating knowledge and graduates who will help change the world for the better.” 

Sarah and Matthew will replace Robin Phillips and Nick Hillman who step down from the Board in August each having served the maximum possible nine-year term. 

In other Board changes for 2025-26, Rachel Studd replaces Professor Danielle George as an elected Senate member, and Amrit Dhillon replaces Katie Jackson as a student member. 

Philippa Hird says: “On behalf of the Board, I offer sincere thanks to Dan, Katie, Nick and Robin for their huge contributions to the University and I look forward to welcoming Amrit, Matthew, Rachel and Sarah in the Autumn.”