University of Aberdeen Mumbai bolsters founding leadership team ahead of inaugural 2026 intake

2026-07-30 07:00:25 Education

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Mumbai, 30 July 2026: The University of Aberdeen Mumbai has strengthened its founding leadership team with the appointments of Professor Marnie Campbell as Provost and Vinu Chakravarthy as Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking another significant milestone as the University prepares to welcome its inaugural student cohort in 2026.

The appointments underscore the University's commitment to delivering globally recognised, research-led education in India, supported by experienced academic and operational leadership that will help shape the institution's long-term vision while creating an exceptional learning experience for students.

Professor Campbell brings more than two decades of senior academic and executive leadership experience spanning universities, government, and international organisations. She has held senior leadership positions at Edith Cowan University, Deakin University, and the University of Waikato, while also contributing to national and United Nations environmental initiatives. As Provost, Professor Campbell will provide academic leadership for the University of Aberdeen's Mumbai campus, working closely with colleagues, faculty, and the local team to deliver a world-class international learning experience and uphold the University's commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, ethical research, and global engagement.

Joining alongside Professor Campbell is Vinu Chakravarthy, who has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer. Vinu brings nearly two decades of leadership experience across education, campus operations, institutional growth, student experience, and P&L management in India and the UAE. At the Mumbai campus, he will lead Professional Services, strategic initiatives, and operations, with a focus on launch readiness, operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional experience for our founding cohort. He will work closely with academic leadership, University of Aberdeen stakeholders, and the campus team to build strong operating foundations for the University's Mumbai presence.

Together, these appointments establish a strong leadership foundation for the University's Mumbai campus, combining academic excellence with operational expertise to support the successful launch and long-term growth of the institution.

Professor Marnie Campbell, Provost, University of Aberdeen Mumbai, said, “The establishment of the University of Aberdeen Mumbai marks an exciting new chapter in the University's global journey. Together with an exceptional leadership team, we have a unique opportunity to create an inclusive, research-led learning environment that reflects Aberdeen's long-standing tradition of academic excellence while responding to the aspirations of students in India. We look forward to building a campus that empowers students with the knowledge, skills and global perspective needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Vinu Chakravarthy, Chief Operating Officer, University of Aberdeen Mumbai, said, “Joining the University of Aberdeen Mumbai at this pivotal stage is an exciting opportunity to help establish an institution that combines the University's rich academic heritage with a world-class student experience. As we prepare for our inaugural intake, our focus will be on building strong operational foundations, fostering a collaborative campus environment and creating systems that enable students, faculty and staff to thrive. I look forward to working with colleagues across the University to bring Aberdeen's legacy of excellence to India.”

The University of Aberdeen recently received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its Mumbai campus, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to world-class higher education in India. Scheduled to welcome its inaugural cohort in 2026, the Mumbai campus will offer globally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, combining the University's research excellence with strong industry engagement and an international learning experience.

Applications for the inaugural September 2026 intake are now open. Prospective students can learn more about the University's programmes, eligibility criteria and admissions process by visiting https://www.abdn.ac.uk/mumbai.

About the University of Aberdeen Mumbai:

Founded more than five centuries ago, the University of Aberdeen is a leading research institution that drives innovation and prepares students for future careers. It is ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education (World) ranking. The University of Aberdeen will open its Mumbai campus in Powai in September 2026. At launch, it will offer five programmes: three-year undergraduate (honours) degrees in Computing, Data Science and Business Management, along with one-year master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Administration.