- The installation of the new University of Sheffield Chancellor has taken place during a graduation ceremony (12 January 2026) for the first time, alongside students
- Andy Haldane, former chief economist at the Bank of England, becomes the University of Sheffield’s ninth Chancellor
- Mr Haldane, a University of Sheffield economics alumnus takes over from previous Chancellor Dame Anne Rafferty as the University’s ceremonial head, with the ability to confer degrees and advocate for the institution on a global platform
Former Chief Economist of the Bank of England, Andy Haldane, was installed as the new Chancellor of the University of Sheffield today (12 January 2026).
Having taken over from the previous Chancellor, Dame Anne Rafferty in November 2025, Mr Haldane joined graduating students from the University’s Management School and School of Economics celebrating the completion of their studies, for his official installation in the role.
Graduating from the University of Sheffield with a BA in Accounting and Financial Management and Economics in 1988, Andy Haldane was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2018, acknowledging his career as a highly-respected economist.
The role of Chancellor has brought him back to the University once again for this prestigious ambassadorial role, in which he will serve as an honorary figurehead, ceremonial representative, ambassador and advocate for the University.
Mr Haldane will oversee the University’s governance, represent the institute on a global platform and have the privilege of conferring - or officially awarding - degrees for graduating students at future ceremonies.
University of Sheffield Chancellor, Andy Haldane, said: “If you’d said to me 40 years ago when I first arrived at the University of Sheffield as an undergraduate - as the first in my family to go to university - that I might 40 years on, be Chancellor of this fantastic place, I’d have said you were pulling my leg.
“Becoming Chancellor is a huge honour, and it is a thrill to be part of a greater mission.To forge even stronger links between the University, academia and industry and putting the University on the map for as many stakeholders as possible is what I can bring to the role, to help graduates successfully navigate their path from University in the world of work.”
Andy Haldane’s exceptional career which spans academia, public service and economics, led him to serve over 30 years at the Bank of England. Joining in 1989 he eventually became the Chief Economist and Executive Director of Monetary Analysis and Statistics, and a member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee until June 2021.
In September 2021, he became the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), a charity with a 250-year history of social impact through innovation and civic participation for the arts, manufacturers and commerce.
He also served as the Permanent Secretary for Levelling Up at the Cabinet Office from September 2021 to March 2022 and is the founder of Pro Bono Economics, a charity that provides economic expertise to the social sector, as well as serves as Vice-Chair of the charity National Numeracy.
He holds honorary professorships at a number of top universities and has authored around 200 articles and four books, contributing significantly to the fields of financial stability and economic policy.
He also now holds the role of Chair of the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s (AMRC) Industrial Board, where his wealth of experience is helping to shape and set the strategy for the AMRC, which is key for future innovation to help the UK manufacturing sector grow.
Haldane hopes the role will provide him with a platform to advocate for Sheffield’s graduating students, forging links between the University and industry to help grow opportunities for their future careers,
He added: “I will be spreading the word across the UK, and globally, about how brilliant the place is to as many people as possible, about how as a University, we not only want to do better for ourselves, but for our communities, our region and our nation as well. When it comes to tackling the challenges of our time, be they economic, social or environmental, that mission has never been more important than now.”
Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “It is a privilege to formally install Andy Haldane as Chancellor as we celebrate the achievements of our students at graduation - one of the most significant moments in our University calendar.
“Andy’s journey, from a Sheffield student to one of the most respected voices in economics and public service, is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of higher education.
“With his deep commitment to social progress, innovation and opportunity, Andy will be a passionate and influential advocate for our University, our region and our graduates, and an invaluable presence at the heart of our University community.”
