Global business leader and philanthropist John Studzinski CBE has been installed as the new Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University.

With a career spanning 40 years, John’s work is anchored in his belief in the importance of human dignity, linked to the Catholic Social Teaching ethos. He is Managing Director and Vice Chairman of PIMCO, noted for its innovative approach to investment, where he has advanced global strategy while serving as a key strategic advisor to major clients around the world. 

John’s commitment to philanthropy has found expression in the context of prestigious global institutions and of start-up organisations including the Genesis Foundation, which supports and nurtures outstanding artists and creative professionals, and Arise, which furthers frontline anti-slavery work on four continents. He is also Vice-Chair Emeritus of Human Rights Watch. 

The Chancellor’s installation began with a Service of Thanksgiving at Leeds Cathedral, celebrated by Monsignor Paul Grogan. Symbolic items related to the University were presented during the service, including Leeds Trinity’s first prospectus from 1966.  

The formal installation ceremony was then held at Leeds Civic Hall, attended by University staff, students, alumni and civic representatives from across the region, including the Lord Mayor of Leeds. The ceremony was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor and Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, Kevin O’Connor.  

John Studzinski CBE said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to become Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University. I am excited by its blend of educational excellence along with its values-based approach, as it equips the young people of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. In all my activities, my goal is to nurture and sustain human dignity, and I see my new role with the University as compatible with that. I look forward to engaging with and working with Leeds Trinity and the Leeds community over my term of office.”  

The Chancellor was installed on the same day that the University held a civic launch event for its new Leeds City Campus at 1 Trevelyan Square. The event included a keynote speech from Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council, on supporting inclusive growth in the city, and panel discussions on the future of skills in West Yorkshire and business growth in Leeds. 

Speakers included Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director of Inclusive Economy, Skills and Culture at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting, and Liz Whitefield, Co-Founder and Director of Hippo. They were joined by alumni James Mason, CEO of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, and Rich Hayden, Managing Director of MADEBY7.  

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, commented: “As we have celebrated both our new Leeds City Campus and the installation of the Chancellor with civic events in the city of Leeds, this has been a very important day for the University. We are very proud to share our new campus with stakeholders in the region and explore how we can help to create better opportunities for citizens and communities as we prepare to welcome students to the building for the first time in the coming weeks.  

“As we focus on civic engagement and contribution, it is very timely that we officially install John Studzinski CBE as Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University. John’s reputation and impact is widely recognised, and his contribution to the University will inspire our students. His values and focus on social justice align completely with those of Leeds Trinity and we are proud and privileged to welcome him formally to our community.”  

The Chancellor performs a ceremonial role, acting as a key ambassador for the University. Amongst the Chancellor’s key responsibilities is the conferment of degrees at graduation ceremonies. 

Find more on the Leeds Trinity University Chancellor webpage. 

Leeds Trinity is one of four Catholic universities in England.