University of Exeter appoints Chief Operating Officer

This is a new role for the University and comprises overall management responsibility for a wide range of activities, including HR, student recruitment, IT, libraries, catering and accommodation, marketing, fundraising, estates and planning and international relations.

Dr Baines previously performed a similar role at De Montfort University. Prior to this she held  a range of senior management positions at the University of Sheffield, including the post of Academic Secretary and Head of Academic Services. In her early career she worked at a range of other Higher Education institutions. 

She holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Southampton.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: "This is a critical appointment  as we seek to build on Exeter's position as a member of the Russell Group and the Sunday Times University of the year. We are very pleased to welcome Claire to Exeter where she will take responsibility for one of the best professional services teams in any University. She has very wide-ranging experience and has worked for a number of different universities, all of which will put her in good stead to help us to continue to move forward."

Dr Claire Baines said: ''I regard Exeter as a very special university having achieved growth, outstanding performance and a world-class reputation for excellence.  Everything I know about Exeter's plans for the future are ambitious and exciting and I am looking forward to working with students, staff and alumni to ensure that we continue to develop and excel nationally and internationally."

Claire will be leading the unified Professional Services with the exception of Finance Services, where Andrew Connolly will become Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor.