UHI appoints new executive director of finance

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has appointed Mike Baxter as executive director of finance.

Mike will work with UHI’s senior executive team and with colleagues across the partnership to provide strategic financial direction, harnessing financial resources and performance data to deliver UHI’s financial sustainability ambitions as articulated in the 2030 strategic plan.

Mike joins UHI from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as director of finance and corporate services and brings experience from previous roles at Transport Scotland and The Scottish Government. A qualified Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) accountant since 1992 with over 30 years in the public sector, Mike has a deep attachment to the Highlands where he plans to relocate and will be based at UHI House in Inverness.

Vicki Nairn, UHI’s interim principal and vice-chancellor, congratulated Mike on the appointment: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Mike to our senior team and to our tertiary partnership. We are fortunate to attract such an experienced finance professional and Mike joins UHI at an important time where he will play a key role in helping to delivering partner financial sustainability by 2030.”

Talking about his appointment, Mike added: “I am excited to be joining UHI and look forward to working collaboratively with executive office colleagues and partners to take forward delivery of the 2030 strategy for the benefit of students, staff and wider community.”

Mike will take up his appointment on 6 May 2024.