Dear colleagues,
I am excited to announce that Kristin Blanchfield has been appointed as our new Vice-President (Advancement) and will join Imperial in January 2025.
Kristin will be a key member of the University Management Board and its committees, and lead the Advancement Division to drive funding and alumni engagement in support of our new institutional strategy. The interview panel unanimously endorsed Kristin’s candidacy and noted her decades of experience, enthusiasm for Imperial’s mission, and genuine warmth and authenticity.
She joins Imperial at a pivotal moment. Building on the momentum of our recent rankings, establishment of our international hubs, expansion in London including through our White City Campus, and our institutional strategy, Science for Humanity, she will be responsible for working across Imperial to plan and implement our most significant fundraising campaign to date.
Kristin has been with Johns Hopkins University for over a decade and serves as Senior Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Partnerships. Her experience includes building high performing teams and working with institutional leadership, boards, academic staff, volunteer leaders, alumni and donors to advance strategic priorities. She has also held positions at Yale and Cornell universities.
As we prepare to welcome Kristin, I would like to thank Professor Peter Haynes for his valuable work this year as Interim Vice-President (Advancement), as well as Amanda Wolthuizen (Chief of Staff to the President) for her work supporting the Advancement Division during this period. Upon Kristin's arrival, Peter will return full time to his role as Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience).
Achieving our vision for Imperial will require substantial fundraising efforts, and Kristin’s leadership will be crucial in turning this ambition into reality.
Best wishes,
Hugh
Professor Hugh Brady
President, Imperial College London