Royal Holloway has appointed Rachel Burgess as its new Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis, following a rigorous and highly competitive external recruitment process.

Rachel will formally take up the role from 1 July 2026, having led the finance function with professionalism and clarity of purpose on an interim basis since January. Rachel brings a clear and compelling vision alongside a strong strategic and collaborative approach.

The Chief Finance Officer role has been scoped to reflect Royal Holloway’s ambitions and priorities for the years ahead, with a strong emphasis on securing a successful and sustainable future. The position places financial stewardship at the heart of delivering the University’s RH2030s strategic ambitions, ensuring the University is well positioned for long-term success.

Rachel Burgess said: "I am honoured to take on the permanent role of Chief Finance Officer at such an important time for Royal Holloway. I look forward to working with colleagues across the University to continue to strengthen our financial sustainability in a way that enables us to deliver our RH2030s strategy and fulfil our ambitions to be a university of social purpose."