Baroness Gray, Pro-Chancellor, is widely recognised for her distinguished service in UK and Northern Ireland public life, including as Chief of Staff to the UK Prime Minister and Permanent Secretary at the Northern Ireland Department of Finance. She currently serves as Chair of Consello, UK.

With decades of senior public service experience, she is widely respected for her integrity, leadership, and expertise in governance and ethics.

Commenting on her appointment, Baroness Gray said:

“Queen’s holds a special place in the heart of Northern Ireland and plays a vital role on the national and international stage. 

“I feel deeply committed to supporting its mission of excellence in education, research and civic engagement and hope my experience in public service will contribute to its strong governance and uphold the values that has made Queen’s such an important institution for generations past, and those yet to come.”

Dr Feargal McCormack has also been appointed as Pro-Chancellor and will serve as the Deputy Chair of Senate and Chair of the Senate Planning, Finance and Resources Committee.

He said:

“It is a privilege to serve Queen’s University, an institution that has had a marked impact in my own personal and professional life. 

“Higher Education holds such transformative power and I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time. I look forward to supporting the University’s leadership and contributing to positive change for our students, staff and wider society.”

Dr McCormack is currently Senior Partner at AAB Group and a former President of Chartered Accountants Ireland. He brings vast experience in financial governance and a long-standing commitment to higher education and civic leadership. He currently serves on several Queen’s governance committees, including the Investment Committee and the Governance and Nominations Committee.

Ms Anna Beggan and Mr Lyle Watters have been appointed as independent Lay Members of the Senate. 

Ms Beggan is a former Partner at Tughans Solicitors with extensive experience in employment law and has previously served on Queen’s Audit Committee. Mr Watters is a former senior executive at Ford Motor Company with almost four decades of international leadership and board-level experience across global markets.

Welcoming the appointments, Dr Len O’Hagan CBE DL, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate, said:

“These are outstanding appointments that will strengthen the governance and strategic direction of Queen’s. As senior non-executive officers, our Pro-Chancellors play a crucial role in upholding the highest standards of accountability and leadership. I am delighted to welcome Dr McCormack and Baroness Gray to these vital roles. I am equally pleased to see the addition of Ms Beggan and Mr Watters to Senate their knowledge, judgement and commitment will be invaluable. I also want to acknowledge the important role played by staff and students throughout this rigorous and inclusive selection process.”

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor, added:

“Effective governance is essential to the success and integrity of global university. With these appointments, Queen’s gains individuals of exceptional distinction and experience who share a deep commitment to public service and the advancement of higher education. I look forward to working with our new Pro-Chancellors and Lay Members of Senate, as we deliver our ambitious Strategy 2030. 

“My sincere thanks to the Special Selection Committee and to all those across the University who contributed to this process. These appointments reflect Queen’s commitment to excellence in governance, inclusivity in leadership, and its enduring mission to serve society through education, innovation, and civic engagement”.

These non-remunerated appointments take effect for four years from 1 August 2025 following an extensive selection process involving students, staff, alumni and independent assessors. 

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