Julius Weinberg, currently deputy vice-chancellor of City University London, will take up the post in the spring following Sir Peter Scott’s retirement in December.
Professor Weinberg, a medic who specialised in infectious diseases and tropical medicine, has spent 11 years in senior leadership positions at City, which he joined in 1999 as director of the Institute of Health Sciences.
Of his move to Kingston, he said: “Just contemplating following Professor Scott’s hugely successful time as vice-chancellor is daunting.
“Higher education is facing some difficult challenges. I’ve no doubt that the staff and students at Kingston have the ideas and values that will enable the university to thrive and continue to enhance its reputation.”
He underlined his commitment to continuing Kingston’s efforts to widen participation.
“Universities are places that should aspire to change lives through the opportunities they provide and the knowledge they produce. Your origin should not determine your destination,” he said.
“My vision is that Kingston should be increasingly known for inspiring academics who contribute to the development of their discipline and society, blurring boundaries between teaching, research and practice and so creating the next generation of enthusiasts.”
Sir Peter will join the Institute of Education as professor of higher education.