The Chair of the University of Essex’s governing body, Council, steps down this week after three-and-a-half years at the helm.

Bill Gore has served on Council since 2005 and took over as Chair and Pro-Chancellor in January 2008, bringing extensive financial and business expertise to the role.

A chemical engineer and accountant, Mr Gore has undertaken senior executive roles at Chairman or Chief Executive level in investment opportunities across a range of sectors from manufacturing to technology and property.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “I would like to thank Bill for the tremendous support and invaluable advice he has given to me throughout a period of considerable change for the University and for the higher education sector. Bill’s financial acumen and judgement have proved vital as the University has embarked on its massive capital investment programme of recent years.”

Bill Gore said: “It has been a privilege and a joy to spend six years with the community at the University of Essex. The excitement of opening our new bases in Southend and Ipswich and growing East 15 at Loughton will remain with me for a long time.

“The planning we have done in recent years will see the physical and intellectual transformation of the Colchester Campus with many new building projects culminating in the new Student Centre by the lake, and will be a lasting memory of the great work my colleagues have executed.

“I think I leave with a fantastic management team in place who will carry Essex from strength to strength.”

Mr Gore’s final duty in his role was to attend graduation at the University last week. He will remain associated with the University in his capacity as a Director of the Knowledge Gateway project.

Mr Gore is a Founding Director of Manfield Partners, a London-based private equity company, and is also Treasurer of the Children’s Legal Centre, an independent national charity based at the University concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people.

Businessman, academic and government adviser Lord Currie of Marylebone, takes over as Chair of Council on 1 August. David Currie, who has served on Council since August 2009, was the founding chairman of Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, a position he held for seven years. He is a former Dean of City University’s Cass Business School.

Council, which has 25 members, is responsible for the University’s budget, its strategic planning and its capital investments, as well as staffing and health and safety issues.