Published: 10 Dec 2024 | Last Updated: 10 Dec 2024 13:11:26

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has announced that the Rt. Hon. Professor the Lord Kakkar KG, KBE, PC has been appointed as the new Chair of its Council, to succeed the current Chair Baroness Young of Old Scone who will stand down from her role in 2025.

The Council is the RVC’s governing body, focusing on the institution’s strategy and compliance requirements, risk and accountability. The Chair of the Council is therefore a vital role within the organisation and will help to shape the future of the RVC.

Lord Kakkar is Emeritus Professor of Surgery, University College London, and President of the Thrombosis Research Institute in London. He is Chairman of King’s Health Partners academic health sciences centre, the Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research, the King’s Fund and UK Biobank.

Lord Kakkar was created a Life Peer in 2010 and sits on the cross benches of the House of Lords. He is a former Chairman of the House of Lords Appointments Commission and the Judicial Appointments Commission.

Lord Kakkar was appointed a member of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council in 2014, created a Knight Commander of the order of the British Empire in 2022 for his contributions to healthcare and public service and was appointed Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of The Garter by His Majesty King Charles III in 2024. He currently serves as Chairman of The Royal Commission for the 1851 Exhibition and is Chancellor of the University of Lincoln.

Lord Kakkar has had a distinguished career as surgeon and clinical academic serving previously as Professor of Surgery at University College London; Chair of UCL Partners; Professor of Surgical Sciences at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry; and Senior Lecturer in surgery at Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial College.

In his capacity as Chair, Lord Kakkar will oversee the next chapter in RVC's development, building on the highly successful tenure of Baroness Young of Old Scone.

Professor Stuart Reid, Principal of the RVC, said:

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lord Kakkar and look forward to welcoming him to Council next year. Lord Kakkar’s experience is extensive and is matched by his passion for advancing knowledge through world-class research, providing high quality and groundbreaking clinical services and educating the future generations of vets, scientists and researchers. “Lord Kakkar joins us at an exciting time for the institution and I know we will benefit from his exceptional knowledge and experience. He takes over from Baroness Young who has led Council with dedication and commitment over the last five years for which we extend a heartfelt thank you.” 

Lord Kakkar, incoming Chair of the RVC Council, said:

"I am honoured to take on the role as Chair of the RVC Council next year. The RVC is a truly outstanding institution, and it will be a privilege to meet and work alongside such a talented and dedicated team of staff and students.”

Baroness Barbara Young, Chair of the RVC Council, said:

"It has been such an honour to be the Chair of the Council for the last five years and to support such a professional and caring team, led by Professor Stuart Reid. It has been a true highlight of my career and I will continue to champion the institution in the years to come.  “I know Lord Kakkar will be an excellent Chair and have many insights and knowledge to share with the Council and more widely at the RVC. I have no doubt that he will enjoy the role as immensely as I have and ensure the institution continues to go from strength to strength.” You can read more about Lord Kakkar’s experience on Parliament’s website.

Notes to Editors

Media contacts  

• Jasmin De Vivo at Jasmin.devivo@plmr.co.uk or rvc@plmr.co.uk       
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520  

About the Royal Veterinary College

• The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London.
• It is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that hold accreditations from the RCVS in the UK (with associated recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and the AVMA in the USA and Canada.
• The RVC is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2024.
• The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences.
• The RVC is a research-led institution, with 88% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
• The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.