New Chair of University Council appointed

Leading media executive, Patrick Younge (BSc 1987) has been appointed head of Cardiff University’s governing body from 1 January 2022.

Council is the University’s ultimate governing body with power over all decisions. Patrick’s appointment as Chair follows a competitive recruitment process. His position was confirmed by University Council at its meeting on Friday 22 October 2021.

Patrick said: "It's a great honour and privilege to be appointed the incoming Chair of the Cardiff University Council. I came to the University as a student nearly 40 years ago, and fell in love with the University, the city and Wales. I'm especially keen to support the University's ongoing work to deliver a truly transformative educational experience in the heart of the Welsh capital, and as a UK research powerhouse that holds its own on the world stage."

Since graduating from Cardiff University with a BSc in Mineral Exploitation, Patrick has become one of the UK’s leading media figures with an international career in the world of television and media.

He is a former Chief Creative Officer for BBC Television Production, leading over 3000 staff working across UK locations and creating some of the UK’s biggest shows including Natural History, Dr Who, Strictly Come Dancing and Top Gear.
Prior to his role with BBC Television Production, he was recruited by Discovery Communications Inc. to turn around an American television network.

He has also worked for BBC News, BBC Sport, ITV, and Channel 4, and co-founded and remains co-Managing Director of Cardiff Productions Ltd, a content production company based in Cardiff.

In 2007, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Television Society and has been selected by the Powerlist as one of the 100 most influential Black people in Britain on six occasions.

Patrick is also no stranger to University governance. He is an independent Governor at the University of West London, where he is currently Vice-Chair of the board and a member of a number of its sub-committees. He will stand down from these roles to take up his new appointment.

As well an alumnus, Patrick is also a former President of both the University’s Athletic Union and the Students’ Union as well as Vice-President, Education of the National Union of Students (NUS).

Patrick takes over from the current Chair, Professor Stuart Palmer, who steps down as Chair after eight years in the post.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: “I am delighted to welcome Patrick Younge back to Cardiff University to take up the role of Chair of Council.

“As an alumnus, and with close links to Cardiff, he understands the University and its position in Wales which is vital to the role. He brings with him a wealth of experience, in senior management roles and the media, and I look forward to working with him.

“I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to Professor Palmer, outgoing Chair of Council, for his work and dedication during his time at the University. I wish him all the best in his next endeavours.”

Professor Palmer added: “I am delighted to welcome Patrick Younge as Cardiff’s next Chair of Council. Patrick’s experience as an alumnus of Cardiff University, as a past President of the Students’ Union, as a Vice President of the National Union of Students and, coming up to date, as the Vice- Chair of the Governing Body of the University of West London, makes him uniquely qualified to take on the role.

“Furthermore, his background in broadcasting, and the media more generally, will provide the University with a valuable insight into an area of great importance now and in the future.

“It gives me great pleasure to wish Patrick every success. I am sure he will enjoy the challenge.”

Find out more about the University’s organisational structure and the role of University Council.