University of Manchester appoints new Director of IT Services
Posted 25th November 2020
The University of Manchester has appointed Claire Priestley as their new Director of IT Services following a rigorous process carried out by Dixon Walter.

Claire Priestley has been appointed as the new Director of IT Services at the University of Manchester, joining them from City, University of London.
Claire will join the University on Monday, 1 March 2021, succeeding Malcolm Whitehouse who left the institution as Chief Information Officer at the end of October.
Claire has worked at City for 12 years, from a background in Business Change Management and held roles across Training, Process Change, Application Development and IT Business before progressing to become Director of IT in 2016.
During her time at City, Claire had overall responsibility for the university’s entire technical estate including IT Business, Development, Operations and Support Services and Information Assurance. She also served as a member of City’s Executive Committee and Senate.
She recently oversaw a successful move to remote working as well as online teaching, learning and assessment. She also founded CIO+1, an initiative to increase diversity and inclusion throughout tech leadership across all sectors in the UK. Claire has been listed in the CIO 100 in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’m delighted that Claire is joining us. As we have seen over the past eight months, having the right IT in place for our staff and students is absolutely critical to our future success. I am sure that Claire will provide exceptional leadership in this vital role and look forward to welcoming her to Manchester.”
Commenting on joining our University, Claire said: “I am thrilled to join The University of Manchester at such a critical time for both the sector and technology, and am looking forward to working with such talented teams, partners and stakeholders.”
Original article source: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=25363
Posted by Sarah Walker

Share this article.
Higher Education
Posted
Dixon Walter have successfully supported the recruitment of a new senior estates team at the Royal Northern College of Music. This includes the fantastic appoinment of Brent Wills as Director of Estates and Facilities.
Higher Education
Posted
Building on our extensive experience in Estates and Facilities leadership appointments within the sector—particularly over the past 18 months—we have developed a thought piece exploring the evolving landscape and critical challenges facing universities. This includes the complexities of managing estates and the increasing pressures on institutions.
Higher Education
Posted
Karry Tymieniecka will join the university as the new Executive Director of Finance, with effect from 17 March 2025.
Karry comes to Roehampton from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where she joined in 2013 and has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since January 2024. Prior to her current role, she was Director of Operational Finance. At the NHS Trust, she works closely with the CEO and Executive Team to drive the successful financial sustainability of the Trust and to develop and deliver the Trust’s Strategic Plans. Karry leads the Finance and Procurement service, providing an effective financial operational and management framework for their £600m budget, and optimisation of both NHS and commercial income opportunities.