Sir James Dyson - the engineer entrepreneur - is going to succeed Sir Terence Conran as Provost of the Royal College of Art in London. The Provost is the Head of the College, and presides over meetings of the Court and confers degrees at Convocation.

Sir James Dyson - whose term of appointment is five years - will take up the post on 1 August 2011, when Sir Terence officially retires from the role. A graduate from the Royal College of Art, and a Member of Council since 1998, Sir James has long been a generous supporter of the Royal College of Art. His educational charity, The James Dyson Foundation, has a close relationship with the RCA.

Dr Paul Thompson, Rector of the Royal College of Art says, 'Sir James Dyson embodies all of the RCA’s ideals. A powerful advocate, he has both the international stature and experience of the College’s affairs to equip him in his new role as Provost. This is a particularly exciting time for the RCA and Sir James will play a crucial role in the institution wide strategic plan we are currently implementing. His intimate knowledge of, and passion for the College will help engage the entire community in realising our ambitious expansion programme over the next five years.' He continues, 'I would like to express our deep appreciation to Sir Terence Conran, who is stepping down as Provost. We have greatly benefited from his support and service over the past six years.'

Sir James Dyson says, 'I discovered engineering here under the guidance of Tony Hunt and have enjoyed watching the RCA’s output ever since. Thanks to Terence Conran’s ambition and foresight, the College will continue to grow. The UK needs to rediscover its talent for making things. At the RCA the efforts of engineers, designers and scientists converge. I look forward to a period of inventiveness, productivity and collaboration of brilliant minds.'

Sir Terence Conran says, 'The Royal College of Art is a unique institution and truly one of the world’s elite art and design universities. Its continued success is key to the economic revitalisation of our country and I say to our politicians, ignore the creativity and innovation of our talented young students at our peril. I feel greatly privileged to have been involved with the College for the past 25 years and the last six as Provost, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. It is with sadness that I step down from this role but I’m delighted with the appointment of James Dyson who I am certain will be an inspirational Provost and he is certainly the best successor I could think of. He incorporates all the qualities that the RCA can strive for - original design, innovation and entrepreneurialism.'

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Content added on 20th December 2010.

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