New Chief Financial Officer joins UAL

Heather Francis has been appointed as UAL’s Chief Financial Officer.

Heather Francis is Director of Finance & Resources at the V&A, responsible for finance, HR, IT, CRM and procurement functions. In her five years there, Heather had overall responsibility for the finances of one of the world’s leading museums, overseeing a period of success and growth. She played a pivotal role in developing the V&A East project in East London – part of the new cultural and education partnership at East Bank, alongside UAL – and was a key part of the team that delivered and launched V&A Dundee in September 2018.

Heather will take up her post at UAL on 2 January 2019.

UAL Vice-Chancellor Nigel Carrington commented: “Heather Francis brings deep understanding of the creative industries to her appointment. As Chief Financial Officer, she will play a critically important part in delivering our ambitions as a global institution.”

On her appointment, Heather Francis commented: “UAL has a compelling vision for creative education in the UK and worldwide, and I am delighted to be joining the university as Chief Financial Officer. I am particularly looking forward to contributing to the next stage of UAL’s development, and continuing to work on the exciting developments taking place at East Bank in east London.”

Before joining the V&A, Heather held senior roles for Save the Children in the UK and overseas. She studied Economics at Southampton University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Heather is Honorary Treasurer of War Child UK.