Get to know your new Chancellor, Sandie Okoro
We welcomed the University’s eighth and first female Chancellor, Sandie Okoro, at her installation ceremony on Tuesday 19 November 2024. On the day, Sandie was on campus as she hosted meetings with the UoB community, talking with both students and staff.
acts as the ceremonial head of the University, with responsibilities set out in our legislation. They preside over degree congregations and have important ambassadorial responsibilities, working with the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor to represent us to the external community.
Having graduated with a degree in law and politics at UoB, Sandie went on to qualify as a barrister and a solicitor. From there she launched an impressive corporate legal career, rising to become senior vice president and general counsel for the World Bank Group. She is currently Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered.
Alongside her impressive career, Sandie also holds a number of accolades including a BSN Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate from the City, University of London for outstanding achievements in the legal profession and financial services. In 2020, Sandie was listed at fourth place in Powerlist, a listing of the most influential black people in the United Kingdom. In 2024, Sandie was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Diversity in International Finance.
Upon her appointment, Sandie said “I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give a little something back to the amazing University that has given so very much to me and my family”.
Look out for opportunities to hear from Sandie.