Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Lewis as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting directly to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damien Page.
Brian, who’s always lived in High Wycombe, became an independent member of the University Council in 2022 and was Chair of the Audit Committee. He has now stepped down from both roles to take up the executive board position to which he will bring extensive experience across finance, governance, mergers and acquisitions, and the education sector.
Brian’s relationship with Buckinghamshire New University spans more than four decades. He first joined the BNU community in the 1980s when he completed a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies at Buckinghamshire College of Further Education, which later became Buckinghamshire New University.
Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, said: “Brian brings exceptional financial expertise and a deep understanding of our University through his valued contribution as a member of University Council. And I’m delighted to welcome a former BNU student into our executive team!”
A Chartered Management Accountant and MBA graduate, Brian has built a 30-year career spanning the public and private sectors, including senior roles at Dun & Bradstreet and Equifax. Brian is currently Chief Finance and Operations Officer at Buckinghamshire-based Aspire Schools Academy.
Brian Lewis said: “Buckinghamshire New University has played a pivotal role in my journey. I’ve progressed in my career thanks to the education I received and it’s a real privilege to be appointed as BNU’s CFO. I’m really looking forward to my next BNU chapter and to remain working alongside my colleagues on University Council.”
Maggie Galliers CBE, Chair of University Council, said: “Brian has made an outstanding contribution to the University as a Council member. While we will miss him in that role, we are delighted he is joining the University’s executive leadership team.”
In 2021 Brian was appointed chair of Wycombe Multicultural Community Organisation, a community charity that represents the interests of around 9,600 people from African Caribbean heritage backgrounds in High Wycombe and the surrounding area. He is also secretary for Beaconsfield Town Youth Football Club.
Brian began playing chess in primary school and twice held the title of ‘Bucks Chess Champion’. Beating an International Chess Master at the age of 12 remains one of his proudest achievements – a story he fondly recounted in his first published book, ‘Checkmate’.
