Vice-Chancellor's Group

Professor Ebrahim Adia joined the University of Wolverhampton as Vice-Chancellor on 1 October 2023.

Formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Leadership) at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Ebrahim has a national and international profile and brings to the role a wealth of experience, serving as Chair and member of a number of high-profile boards.

Ebrahim was born and raised in Bolton. He was the first in his family, and one of the few from his school to attend university, which has helped to shape his views on the role of higher education. As a result, Ebrahim has strived in both his professional and personal life to create opportunity and to help transform the lives of individuals and local communities.

Ebrahim’s academic background is in public policy and policy analysis. He taught as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Education for 18 years before moving into academic management. As the Provost for UCLan’s Burnley Campus, Ebrahim led on the development of a new campus and increased student numbers ninefold and as the Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Transformation at the University of Bolton he helped to improve both student satisfaction and student continuation.

Ebrahim was appointed as a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Panel Member by the Office for Students which enhanced his understanding of best practice to support the development of an outstanding student experience that delivers high levels of graduate employability.

Ebrahim has worked closely with the devolved Greater Manchester Combined Authority where he held the role of deputy portfolio for Economic Strategy and Internationalisation and served as a Board Member of the Manchester Growth Company offering him excellent experience and understanding of working in partnership with public and private stakeholders to mutual benefit. He has also held a number of senior Board roles in the NHS, was appointed by the Government to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion and has served as a Rapporteur at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Christine Fraser was appointed as Interim University Secretary in July 2024.

Christine brings a wealth of experience, most recently as University Secretary at Cardiff Metropolitan University and as a consultant focusing on effective governance within Higher Education.

Professor Prashant Pillai, MBE, was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange (PVC KE) in July 2023. The new position forms part of the University’s newly structured Vice-Chancellor's Group and will lead efforts to continue to grow and improve the institute’s world-class research. Prashant's strategic priorities are to embrace all Research and Knowledge Exchange (KE) across the University and embark on a journey of sustained growth: promoting people, culture and ambition. 

Formerly Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, in 2023 Prashant was awarded the 2023 India UK Achievers Honours Award in the  Education, Science and Innovation category. He has led numerous research projects in networking protocols and cyber security. As Director of the partnership project in Herefordshire Cyber Quarter, Midlands Centre for Cyber Security, he has pursued the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). His research aims to understand and solve security threats in cyberspace and expand knowledge of cyber-crime on a large scale to protect the smart cities of the future.  

Prashant has attained a vast number of accomplishments across two decades since studying his Master's degree in informatics. He has published over 100 papers furthering international understanding of cybercrime, systems, security and other associated topics. Prashant continues to develop innovative education programmes and direct important research projects to increase global understanding of the threats we face as technology continues to progress. 

Dr Pete Cross joined the University in October 2024 as Interim Chief Financial Officer with oversight of various professional services operations including Finance, Procurement, Estates and IT. He brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors, particularly across healthcare and Higher Education, having held similar roles at De Montfort University, Brunel University of London and the University of Plymouth, as well as his executive roles in the NHS. With a track record of delivering successful estates and IT strategies, leading large-scale service and financial transformation and developing key UK and overseas partnerships, Pete is passionate about providing an environment where students can excel and realise their own transformation as part of their university journey.

Pete is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) as well as holding a Master of Science Degree (MSc) and Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). He has had various aspects of his research published as well as having his one and only children’s novel published in 2017. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in various sporting activities and coaching as well as supporting local community sports organisations and charities.

Professor Gill Knight, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic Leadership and Student Experience (ALSE) joined the University in December 2023. She has a diverse remit, and she is line managing the three faculty deans who have a combined portfolio ranging from arts, humanities, and business to science, engineering, and health. Gill also line manages the Dean of Academic Development & Success and Dean of Students, who lead the professional services directorates that deliver staff and student educational support and development.

Gill is the university lead for regional engagement with our local Further Education Colleges, City Council and Local Authorities related to education and skills development. She represents the university on the Walsall Proud Partnership 2040 group.

Gill’s ambition for Wolverhampton is to deliver innovative and transformative education. She co-designed the Student Success Strategy 2035 with Wolverhampton students, which details the university’s focus on enhancing student experience and outcomes. 

Gill has a wealth of teaching and learning experience gained during her extensive career in higher education. Her former role as Director of Education at Royal Holloway, University of London, focused on the implementation of the organisation’s education strategy. Prior to this, she was an Associate Dean of Education within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University, and Head of the Biosciences department at the University of Derby.  She has consistently worked in institutions with a diverse student body and has a wide range of experience in designing and delivering education that successfully reflects the needs of students.

Gill is a National Teaching Fellow on Inclusive STEM Education and a Principal Fellow of the HEA, with her research focusing on inclusive education.

Rachel Adams joined the University in September 2023 as Interim Director of HR and was appointed to the role of Interim Chief People Officer in 2024. She brings a wealth of HR skills and experience gained over a 30-year career in the people profession, mainly in the Higher Education sector, including HR Director of Keele University. In 2020, her team was named 'HR Team of the Year' by Universities HR (UHR) in recognition of its exceptional contribution to the institution across all areas of strategic and operational HR delivery.

Rachel’s most recent role was at the University of Chester where, on an interim basis, she undertook strategic projects focused on supporting and developing the academic workforce.

Outside of work, Rachel is a trustee of YMCA Crewe. She enjoys spending time with her family and is a keen runner and racquet sports player.

Louise Tonks - Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor

Joy Egginton - Executive Assistant 

Harjinder Johal - Executive Assistant 

Sarah Walters - Executive Assistant

Page updated: 17 February 2025.