Durham University has named Nic Johnston as its new chief people officer, effective 1 October.
Johnston will succeed Joanne Race, who will be retiring as director of human resources and organisation development (HR and OD) at the end of September.
Reporting to the university’s chief operating officer, Johnston will be responsible for shaping and leading the strategic direction of its HR and OD division. As a member of its executive committee, she will play a key role in the development and delivery of the university strategy, and underpinning its people strategy.
Her role will focus on enabling the efficient and effective management of staff, including diversity and wellbeing, talent management and recognition, employee relations, and remuneration policy.
Johnston joined in 2014 and is currently deputy HR director and employment lawyer. She has worked on multiple pan-university programmes of work and was the HR and staff lead on its response to Covid-19 and hybrid working. She is also closely involved in industrial relations.
Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor and warden of Durham University, said: “Nic has significant experience of leadership, both of high-performing teams and of large, complex change programmes. As a qualified solicitor, Nic is skilled at explaining legal issues in an accessible way. She is a valued and knowledgeable colleague. We greatly look forward to her transition to this role.”
