Freeling is the current president of Hughes HallUniversity of Cambridge

The outgoing president of Hughes Hall, Dr Anthony Freeling, has been appointed acting vice-chancellor, starting 1 October for a six-month term following the departure of Professor Stephen Toope.

In the email to students today (24/5), the University Council added that recruitment for the next vice-chancellor is under way and is expected to be announced in the early autumn.

Dr Freeling has been president of Hughes Hall since 2014 and was previously a fellow at the College.

He studied Maths at St John’s College, and went on to complete a MPhil and a PhD in Decision Analysis and Behavioural Economics. After leaving Cambridge, he worked for McKinsey for 18 years, eventually becoming a senior partner in the firm. He has also served as director of Ashridge Strategic Management Centre and research director of the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Councils for Europe and Asia.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “It is a great honour to be asked to lead the University, picking up the baton from Stephen and passing it on in due course to the next Vice-Chancellor. I look forward to working with the senior teams of the University and of the Colleges. We must jointly maintain momentum on the initiatives that are underway to ensure that Cambridge maintains research and education excellence at the highest global standard, putting our students and staff at the forefront of all we do.”

The University Council’s statement described Dr Freeling as “a highly experienced figure who has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead” and “extensive experience of how the collegiate University operates.” 

Toope also congratulated his successor, saying: “I have worked closely with Anthony over several years, and particularly in navigating our way through the challenges of the pandemic. He is an exceptionally able colleague and strong leader. He has been instrumental in helping the University and Colleges work more closely, and with greater sense of shared purpose, than ever before. I am entirely confident that this great University will continue to thrive under his leadership, and I wish him every success.”