University of Law gets fifth CEO in two years

The University of Law has gained a fifth chief executive in two years.

Dr Stelios Platis had been in post for only five months.

University of Law

In an interview with Lawyer 2B earlier this year he had promised to “re-energise” the University of Law’s brand after a turbulent period.

The institution, formerly a charity, was owned by Montagu Private Equity for three years, but was purchased by Global Education Systems (GUS), the owner of a number of academic institutions, in June 2015.

Platis, who joined ULaw in April 2016 and is an economist by training, had promised a different strategic approach under the new owners. “The University of Law is the jewel in GUS’s crown: they know it, and they let us know it,” he had told Lawyer 2B in an interview earlier this year.

News of his departure was first reported by the blog RollOnFriday. In a statement, a spokesperson for The University of Law said: “Following the successful restructuring of the University Executive, the board of the GUS group has asked Dr Stelios Platis to undertake a new assignment specifically focused on the strategic development of GUS international operations.”

ULaw’s current vice-chancellor, Professor Andrea Nollent, will take up the reins as ULaw’s fifth CEO in two years.

Following the departure of long-term boss Professor Nigel Savage in February 2014, former Liverpool University chief operation officer John Latham took the helm with instructions to extend the University of Law’s reach into global markets.

Latham lasted a year and a half before departing in August 2015, then David Johnston took over for an interim period before Platis arrived in May 2016.


ULaw – a turbulent timeline

June 2009: The College of Law, as it is then known, surprises the market by revealing plans to open a Bristol centre. Before the launch it poaches the Bristol Institute of Legal Practice’s LPC director, Kerry James,

September 2010: Opens in Bristol, exceeding expectations for student numbers

April 2011: Cancels plans for a New York Bar programme due to lack of student interest

November 2011: Rebrands as The University of Law after being granted university status. It had been granted degree-awarding powers in 2006

December 2012: Sold to European private equity firm Montagu

March 2013: Takes over Oxford Brookes’ LPC, after that university decides to discontinue the course. It ends the arrangement in 2014

July 2013: Relocates its York branch to Leeds, citing increased demand

April 2014: Longstanding chief Nigel Savage retires. John Latham as takes over the reins as CEO.

May 2014: Kaplan Law School cancels its BPTC and ULaw takes on its students

September 2014: Loses Clifford Chance to rival BPP, leaving Linklaters as its only magic circle client. Linklaters signs up for another five years in February 2015

November 2014: Launches ‘articled apprenticeship‘ programme for school leavers, which allows candidates to qualify as solicitors in six years

March 2015: Becomes first university to be granted an ABS licence

June 2015: Sold to Global University Systems (GUS) for an undisclosed sum

July 2015: Launches business school, De Broc, but later puts it on hold due to lack of student take-up

August 2015: John Latham steps down after less than two years in the top job. The university’s COO David Johnston takes on the CEO role

May 2016: Economist Dr Stelios Platis takes over as ‘chief executive and managing director’, promising to ‘re-energise’ ULaw’s brand

Back to listing