Steve Hill joins LIBF as new Vice-Chancellor and CEO
Tradition and heritage meet innovation and growth
Starting July 2024, Hill will lead LIBF’s vision and mission, bringing with him a wealth of experience in digital education and strategic growth, both in the UK and international markets.
London, 10 June 2024. LIBF, an innovator in distance learning and online degrees, welcomes Steve Hill as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Alex Fraser, who announced today he will step down as CEO after nine years and remain at LIBF as a senior advisor. Starting July 2024, Hill will lead LIBF’s vision and mission, bringing with him a wealth of experience in digital education and strategic growth, both in the UK and international markets. The new VC and CEO at LIBF is passionate about creating access to education for all through the use of technology and digitalisation. Beginning his career in International Banking and Finance, he later transitioned into Higher Education. His extensive commercial and international business experience then led him to be the CEO of the Open University Worldwide and Chair of FutureLearn. Hill later founded several edtech organisations. His organisations work with universities in helping them expand their access to education for everyone through digital education, which perfectly matches with LIBF's approach to democratising education.
“What makes LIBF so attractive for me is the long-standing history and heritage of this rich institution, as well as the societal contribution of a skilled workforce, equipped in using AI and technology. I find the mission of democratising education highly energising, and purpose driven. I want to do my best to positively contribute to LIBF’s mission in preparing future leaders with the skills and expertise needed for the current workforce, combining 140 years of heritage with pioneering educational technology”, says Hill, who also embraces the need and use of AI in education. “In education, flexible and personalised learning will be strengthened by AI, and moreover, in some areas create new opportunities. By allowing students to adapt their learning journey to their individual needs, it best prepares them with the latest industry knowledge and practical skills for their next professional steps.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Alex Fraser for his outstanding leadership and dedication to LIBF and its thousands of students served during his nine successful years of service”, said Dr Sven Schütt, CEO at IU Group, the parent company of LIBF. “We appreciate your long-continued guidance, and it is great that you will support LIBF in the future as a senior advisor.
We want to extend a warm welcome to LIBF’s new CEO, Steve Hill, whose proven leadership and steadfast dedication to higher education and edtech make him the perfect fit at LIBF, offering exciting opportunities in academic excellence. Steve is very passionate about edtech and making higher education accessible to everyone, which is at the core of IU Group’s vision and mission. We’re excited for Steve’s stewardship and journey in making LIBF the UK’s largest degree awarding body”, added Schütt.
The impressive track record of Steve Hill includes significant roles like CEO of Open University Worldwide, Founder and CEO of Skills Based Learning Ltd. and Higher Ed Partners Ltd., Chairman of FutureLearn, as well as the Global Commercial Director at Thomson Reuters. Hill’s extensive background includes experience in the UK, US, Asia, as well as the EMEA region. He holds a degree from The Open University in business and management and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
ABOUT LIBF
Since its foundation in 1879, LIBF has been at the forefront of providing world-class education and training. Today, our qualifications equip students round the world with the skills they need for successful careers. It is one of only a few professional bodies in the world to have Taught Degree Awarding Powers and is an innovator in distance learning and online degrees.
With a focus on vocational training, LIBF delivers a broad range of qualifications and programmes to support individuals at each stage of their careers – from entry-level to advanced professional qualifications. Since 2023, LIBF has been part of IU Group, Europe’s largest edtech company and proprietor of Germany’s largest university, IU International University of Applied Science, as well as the University of Fredericton in Canada. Further information at: www.libf.ac.uk
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