Professor Sir Peter Gregson will be retiring from his role as Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor on 31 July 2021.

Iain Ferguson CBE, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of University Council, said, "I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for everything Peter has done for the University. He has led Cranfield with distinction since 2013, raised our ambition and navigated the University through this very challenging year. I would like to thank Peter for his commitment to ensuring that there will be a smooth transition to his successor."

Speaking of his decision, Sir Peter said, "It is an enormous privilege to lead Cranfield through a very important stage in our history. I shall continue to provide the leadership required to deliver on our immediate plans in this year of transition to ensure that we have a good platform from which to realise our ambitious plans for the future.  

"Cranfield occupies a unique position in global higher education, with our very distinctive blend of education and research informed by our hugely influential partnerships with business and governments." 

The University’s Chancellor, Dame Deirdre Hutton, said, "I would like to thank Peter most warmly for his huge contribution to Cranfield over the past seven years. He has driven transformational change towards his vision of 'One University', drawing on the talents of our staff, our students and our alumni. Under his leadership, Cranfield has been the recipient of the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize on three consecutive occasions."

Sir Peter joined Cranfield as Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor on 1 August 2013.