LAIN appoints London Higher CEO as new Co-Chair of LAIN

Liz Hutchinson, CEO of London Higher – the representative body of London’s higher education sector – is LAIN’s (London Anchor Institutions’ Network) new Co-Chair.

Liz joins Lizzie Smith from NHS England as LAIN’s second leader.

She takes over from LAIN’s previous Co-Chair, Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice-Chancellor at University of London. Her appointment signals the ongoing importance LAIN places on maintaining strong partnerships with London’s higher education sector.

Liz Hutchinson has extensive experience in strategic communications, policy influencing, and public engagement, and will bring a partnership-focussed, forward-thinking vision to steer LAIN into the future.  

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Liz Hutchinson is a great addition to London Anchor Institutions’ Network leadership and her experience as CEO of London Higher will help us close pay gaps, support young people and move closer to our net zero goals. We will continue to lay the groundwork for cross-sector cooperation helping create a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”

On her appointment, Liz Hutchinson said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Co-Chair of LAIN. London’s anchor institutions have an extraordinary capacity to drive positive change when we work together, and I look forward to supporting the network’s aims and ambitions alongside Lizzie.”