Mark Simpson begins as Teesside University Vice-Chancellor

Professor Mark Simpson begins new chapter as Teesside University Vice-Chancellor

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Professor Mark Simpson has taken over as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, succeeding Professor Paul Croney after more than a decade at the helm.

By The Tees · 2 September 2026

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Teesside University has begun a new chapter with Professor Mark Simpson taking over as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the start of September.

Professor Simpson succeeds Professor Paul Croney OBE, who retired at the end of August after more than a decade leading the university.

The new Vice-Chancellor is already a familiar figure on campus. previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and has held a number of senior roles at Teesside, including Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law.

His appointment was announced earlier this year, with the university highlighting his experience in teaching, learning and institutional leadership. Professor Simpson is a Principal Fellow of the Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

He takes over at a point for the Middlesbrough institution, which was named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2025 and Daily Mail Modern University of the Year 2026 during Professor Croney's tenure.

Speaking when his appointment was announced, Professor Simpson said leading the university would be the greatest honour of his career and described an ambition to build on its recent successes while developing its next plan for the future.

: This article is based on information published by Teesside University. Read the university's original announcement.