Sir Martin Davidson has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board at Bournemouth University.
Former Chief Executive of the British Council, Sir Martin has a wealth of experience in building international relationships, working in both China and Hong Kong. He stood down in April as chair of the Great Britain China Centre, which supports relations between China and the UK.
Sir Martin has significant board experience, acting as non-executive director of the House of Fraser Group, vice chair of Leonard Cheshire Disability and trustee of the Dorset Community Foundation. He also sits on the board of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) as Vice-Chair.
A resident of 25 years of Dorset, Martin was knighted in 2014 for services to British cultural, scientific and educational interests worldwide.
He replaces David Furniss as Board Chair, who has held the role since 2022, and has sat on the Board since 2017.
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said, “This is a vital strategic role for Bournemouth University as we set out on our BU2035 strategic plan and we are delighted that Sir Martin has accepted the appointment. His significant experience across international, cultural and education sectors, as well as his high-level board experience, will make an important contribution to the university’s future success. We have a global outlook to our new strategic plan, and I know that Sir Martin’s experience will be valuable in helping us work with partners and organisations across the world, as well as those in our own community, which Martin is a member of.
“On behalf of all at Bournemouth University I would like to thank David Furniss for this dedication and commitment to BU’s Board, for the support and challenge he has given, and his oversight in the process of my appointment of Vice-Chancellor in 2024, and we wish him the best for his future plans”.
Sir Martin Davidson said of his appointment, “I am delighted to take up the role of Chair of Bournemouth University. I look forward to building on my predecessor’s work in ensuring the university continues to support and develop opportunities for growth for our students, staff and the wider community in Bournemouth, Dorset and beyond.”
The Bournemouth University Board oversees the strategic development of the university and ensures the effective use of resources for the benefit of students and the community. Sir Martin officially starts his duties on 12 July 2025.
