Search for Bichard successor

The University of the Arts London has launched a search to find a successor to Sir Michael Bichard, who is to retire as rector next year.

The university, which includes Chelsea College of Art and Design, and Central St Martins College of Art and Design, is looking globally for candidates for the position, according to a spokesman.

Search consultancy Odgers Ray & Berndtson is handling the recruitment process.

Bichard has been rector of the university since October 2001, and has overseen its transition from the London Institute to its current university status, which was awarded in 2004.

His other achievements include securing the entire Stanley Kubrick archive for the university, while raising its profile with honorary doctorates awarded to the head of design at Apple, Jonathan Ive, and fashion designer Georgio Armani, earlier this year.

The university appointed its first deputy rector, Will Bridge, to support Bichard, overseeing major development and estate projects in August.

Bichard’s successor will pick up future projects for the university including the relocation of Central St Martins College of Art and Design’s constituent sites to a purpose-built home in London’s Kings Cross, scheduled for 2010, while the London College of Fashion, located at London’s John Princes Street, is to be re-housed.

The university’s future estate development is expected to lead to a new ‘creative quarter’ for London.