The vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University is to step down at the end of the 2010-11 academic year.

Noel Lloyd, who has held the post since 2004, announced his intention to retire at a meeting of the university council yesterday.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, university president, said he had ¡°given long and distinguished service¡± to Aberystwyth and left it ¡°well placed to face future challenges¡±.

The council began the process of appointing a successor to Professor Lloyd, who is also the current chair of Higher Education Wales and vice-president of Universities UK.

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In a separate development, the acting chief executive at the University of Gloucestershire has been confirmed as its new vice-chancellor.

Paul Hartley will take on the role at the financially troubled institution from 1 August. His appointment follows the departure earlier this year of Patricia Broadfoot after disagreements between managers and unions about how to return the institution to financial health.

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A 2010-11 budget update discussed by Gloucestershire¡¯s planning and resources committee in March said the university was ¡°nearly ?8 million adrift¡± of its target to reach a ?2 million surplus by next year.

Dr Hartley, acting chief executive since the end of March, said: ¡°The immediate task is to continue the disciplined approach to controlling costs, increasing income and ensuring students¡¯ needs are met.¡±

john.gill@tsleducation.com