York St John appoints Justine Andrew as new Chair of the Board of Governors

York St John University has announced the appointment of Justine Andrew as Chair of the Board of Governors. Justine brings extensive executive leadership experience, most recently as a Partner at KPMG UK, where she led the firm’s Education, Skills and Productivity business and held a number of regional leadership roles. 

She is a Non-Executive Director at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a Trustee of York Museums Trust amongst other governance and advisory roles.  Justine previously served as Senior Independent Governor at Leeds Trinity University and has held a range of public, educational and cultural board appointments. 

Over her 20 years at KPMG, Justine was at the forefront of KPMG’s work with some of the largest education providers nationally. She led their Education Business in the UK, giving her a broad, strategic view of the sector.  As the first Head of KPMG’s University Partnership Office, she spearheaded strategic collaborations with universities nationally, building collaborations around research, skills and training. 

Justine is particularly engaged in the intersection of industry, higher education and place, with a particular focus on the role of innovation, commercialisation and collaboration. 

On her appointment, Justine said: 

“If ever there was a time when society needs civic universities with social impact at their heart, it is now. I am honoured to have the opportunity to chair an institution that transforms lives through its education, research and deep engagement with communities across Yorkshire and beyond. 

“York St John has a distinctive role to play regionally and nationally. As we navigate our path forward, I want us to be confident in telling that story, ambitious in our aspirations and committed to working in partnership with others to make a lasting difference to the people and places we serve. 

“I look forward to building on the University’s many strengths and working closely with the Vice Chancellor, Executive Team, Board of Governors and colleagues across the University to shape the next chapter of York St John’s success.” 

Justine Andrew will succeed Dame Julia Unwin when she begins her role as Chair of the Board of Governors on 1 August 2026. Dame Julia has been appointed by the Secretary of State as Chair of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. 

Reflecting upon her time at the University, Dame Julia said: 

“It has been an honour and a privilege to support York St John University as Chair of the Board of Governors for six years. In a challenging time, York St John University has remained true to its values and is a major contributor to the region and the country.  I know it will go on to do even greater things.” 

Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor at York St John University welcomed Justine’s appointment, saying:  

“With her deep understanding of the higher education sector and substantive governance experience, Justine Andrew’s expertise will be highly valued as she joins us as Chair of the Board of Governors. I know Justine is a strong advocate of the role of anchor institutions in shaping economic and cultural development and shares our institutional values of social justice.”  

“On behalf of the University, I sincerely thank Dame Julia Unwin for everything she has done to support the mission of York St John to ensure life-changing educational opportunities are at the heart of our strategy.”