The University of Glasgow is pleased to announce the appointment of a Director of Corporate Communications. Ms Susan Stewart will take up this post at the end of September 2005.

Announcing the appointment, Principal, Sir Muir Russell, said: 'We are engaged in a major strategic exercise to strengthen the University's reputation and competitiveness. We have been increasing investment in our areas of strength and we need to get better at letting others know what our world-class strengths are. This appointment is an important part of that process, and I am pleased that Susan has agreed to join us.'

Ms Stewart commented: 'I am delighted to be joining the University at such an exciting and challenging time for the University and the city. I know that Glasgow has an excellent reputation at home and internationally, and I look forward to being part of the team building upon that.'

Susan joins us from the Scottish Executive, where she holds the post of First Secretary of Scottish Affairs in the British Embassy in Washington DC. As Scotland's first diplomat in the US, she has been instrumental in the organisation of Tartan Week, the largest celebration of Scotland abroad.

Prior to this she was Depute Head of the Scottish Executive Press Office. She has also held the position of Chief Media and Information Officer at Glasgow City Council, where she was influential in promoting a positive image of the city.

Starting her career as a journalist she was an assistant producer at Scottish Television's popular weekly political programme Scottish Questions.

With her breadth of experience and knowledge of the worlds of politics, PR and journalism at home and abroad, the University of Glasgow is clearly proud to welcome her on board.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more details contact the University Press Office on 0141 330-3535.

First published: 6 June 2005