Kay Jones

The University has appointed Kay Jones as the first Director of University Operations and Strategic Planning.  Kay will report to Chief Operating Officer, Tim Westlake and will also have a reporting line to the new Provost, Rachel Mills. The role of Director of Planning and Performance was previously held by David Cole, but we have broadened the remit to align with our strategic aims.

Kay joins Sussex from City, University of London after 11 years of service, where she has held a number of roles, most recently Director of the Strategy Performance and Planning Unit after setting up the Change Support Unit.  In addition, over the past year Kay has been Chair of the Gender Equality Working Group (incorporating Athena Swan) and co-chair for the Network for Racial Justice and the Executive Team.

In the newly-created role as Director of University Operations and Strategic Planning she will provide the interface between the academic community, the Schools Professional Services teams and the central Professional Services team, enabling the flow of information and communication, ensuring a consistency of service, streamlining processes and driving efficiency.

Tim Westlake said: “Kay’s extensive experience of developing strategy and operational plans, including student number and scenario planning, change and project portfolio management will be a huge asset to Sussex.

“I am sure you will join me in welcoming Kay to Sussex in her new role and we look forward to her starting in early September.”

Kay said of her appointment: “I am really thrilled to be joining Sussex at such a critical time. The role brings together strategy, planning and working across Schools and Divisions to build for the future.  The Sussex 2025 strategy is inspiring and transformative – and I’m delighted that I will have a key role in delivering it.”