University of the Built Environment appoints Professor Andrew Baum as Chair of the Board of Trustees
Posted on: 6 October, 2026
The University of the Built Environment is delighted to announce its new Chair of the Board of Trustees will be Professor Andrew Baum from 1 November 2026.
Andrew takes over from Ros Kerslake CBE, who has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees over the past year and will complete her three-year term as a Trustee when she steps down in December.
About Andrew
Andrew is an experienced academic in the field of real estate and has extensive commercial experience in the sector.
He is Emeritus Professor at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where in 2017 he launched and led the Future of Real Estate Initiative, which focused on the 2025-2030 impact of innovation and technology on the global real estate industry. His academic career began following study at the College of Estate Management and the University of Reading. In 1989, Andrew was appointed Professor of Land Management at the Henley Business School, University of Reading, where he is also an Emeritus Professor.
Andrew has extensive business experience, developing an expertise in property valuation, finance, property development, property funds and international real estate investment, while maintaining a part-time career as an academic.
Andrew stepped down earlier this year after 15 years as Chairman of Newcore Capital Management, a specialist investor in social infrastructure real estate in the UK, which was founded to both provide strong returns for investors and create a positive impact for people and the planet.
Reflecting on his appointment, Andrew commented:
“I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of an institution to which I feel a strong connection. I took my first academic steps as an undergraduate at what was then known as the College of Estate Management before embarking on an academic and business career that has given me a deep understanding of our sector. In 2021 I was fortunate to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University, and I am looking forward to an opportunity to give back to this remarkable institution.
“Some of the work I am most proud of in my career has been about supporting access to built environment higher education, and I am keen to support the University in its mission to reach more students and realises its vision.”
“On behalf of the whole Board, I want to thank Ros Kerslake CBE for her leadership as Chair during which time the University has achieved a number of important milestones. We are fortunate to have the chance to build on the strong foundations that Ros and her colleagues have established.”
Welcoming Andrew to the University
Jane Fawkes, Deputy Vice Chancellor and University Secretary, said:
“I am really delighted to welcome Professor Andrew Baum to our Board of Trustees as Chair and I am looking forward to working with Andrew as I take on the role of Interim Vice Chancellor in the coming weeks.
“Andrew brings outstanding experience of the built environment in both academia and industry as well as having all the skills we need from our independent chair. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in ensuring good governance as we address current challenges facing the sector and seize the opportunities for the future.”
“I am deeply grateful to Ros for her contribution as a Board member over the last three years and in particular for helping guide the institution for the past twelve months.”
Outgoing Chair Ros Kerslake CBE added:
“I have known and loved this remarkable University for many years, and I have really enjoyed getting to know it even better during my time as Chair.
“It has been a privilege to serve during this important time for the University – not least in recent weeks as the process to recruit our next Vice Chancellor has got underway.
“I know that when I step down, I will leave the University in strong and capable hands with Andrew as Chair and Jane as Interim Vice Chancellor. I will continue to follow closely the University’s progress and support in any way that I can.”
Professor Andrew Baum has been appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of a further three-year extension, following a thorough external recruitment process. He is currently Chair Designate and will take over as Chair on 1 November 2026.
