George Whalley appointed interim Chief Financial Officer

George Whalley has been appointed as our interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), following the news that Carol Prokopyszyn is retiring this summer. 

Currently our Deputy Chief Financial Officer, George re-joined the University in March 2024, having previously worked in a variety of finance roles here between 2010 and 2015.  

In his nine years away, he held CFO-level roles at HOME, the contemporary arts centre in Manchester, and the Royal Northern College of Music. George trained at Deloitte LLP in Manchester and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Alongside his executive roles, he has extensive experience as a Governor, Trustee and Non-executive Director across the education, charity and for-profit sectors. 

George will lead the Directorate of Finance and sit on the University Executive and Professional Services Leadership Team. As Chief Financial Officer he is responsible for our financial strategy, stewardship and long-term sustainability, all of which are crucial to realising our 2035 ambitions.  

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor said: “George already makes a significant contribution at executive level and has a comprehensive understanding of the strategic opportunities, and sector headwinds, that we are facing. In this important period for our strategy, I and my UE colleagues are looking forward to continuing to work closely with him. " 

George will take up his post on 1st September. The recruitment process for our permanent Chief Financial Officer is continuing with an appointment expected in the coming months. 

• Connect with George on LinkedIn.