BANGOR University has appointed Professor Iwan Davies as its new Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Davies is currently the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Swansea University. He will be the eighth VC or Principal in Bangor University's 135 year history.

He is a leading authority on international commercial law with a particular interest in asset finance, IP and personal property law.

Professor Davies also led the development and delivery of Swansea University's new £450m Science and Innovation Campus. He has a strong reputation for internationalisation, and has developed initiatives and partnerships around the world, holding two Visiting Professor posts in China, and other international appointments.

A graduate of Aberystwyth, Cambridge and Cardiff Universities, he is also a Barrister and a fluent Welsh speaker.

Professor Davies said: “Bangor University is unique in terms of its location and history, as well as its research and teaching strengths which underpin an outstanding student experience.

“I look forward to build on these strengths to create a strong, confident Civic University which not only serves Bangor and its region, but is also genuinely transformational for Wales and the world.

“One of my first priorities will be to meet the staff and students, and I look forward to hearing directly from them about their ambitions for the university. "

Marian Wyn Jones, the Chair of Bangor University’s Council said: “Professor Davies is a highly respected academic with a wealth of leadership expertise, and has substantial experience of the Welsh Higher Education sector.

"We were impressed with his clear strategic vision for the future of Bangor as an ambitious and successful University and I am sure it will thrive under his leadership."

Professor Davies will take up his new post on September 1. The University's interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Upton continues until then.