Chief Operating Officer for University of York Mumbai appointed
Posted on 24 November 2025
Dr Akshay Malhotra
Dr Malhotra brings with him over fifteen years of leadership experience in higher education, spanning renowned institutions in India and the United States.
Global standards
He will take executive responsibility for developing and managing the University of York Mumbai, ensuring the new campus meets global standards and integrates with India’s educational, cultural and regulatory environment.
Dr Malhotra said: "It is not only a great privilege, but also a profound responsibility to be part of the founding leadership of University of York Mumbai. It is truly inspiring to witness the spirit of collaboration and the excitement building around the Mumbai campus.
“I look forward to helping shape a learning ecosystem that integrates the academic and research excellence of the University of York with the rich intellectual traditions of the Indian education system.”
A PhD holder in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, USA, where he also served as a faculty member, he has led academic strategy, programme development and institutional transformation. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering innovative, multidisciplinary learning environments.
Financial leader
Before joining University of York Mumbai, Akshay held senior leadership positions at several prominent universities, including India’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, and Symbiosis International University. An experienced financial leader, he has successfully completed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “A passionate advocate for educational innovation, Akshay brings a huge amount of experience and knowledge of a rapidly evolving higher education environment. Under his leadership, we’ll develop a truly globally connected campus that is at the forefront of quality, learning and discovery.
“Akshay’s commitment to pioneering new approaches will ensure we are distinctive in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic higher education markets, as well as firmly establishing York’s reputation as a global leader in higher education.”
Dr Malhotra’s announcement completes the three critical leadership appointments for the University of York Mumbai, ensuring the core executive structure is finalised well ahead of the opening of the new campus.
Career pathways
With this crucial leadership triangle now confirmed with Lindsay Oades as Provost, and Amrita Sadarangani as Chief Academic Services Officer appointments, the University of York Mumbai is now accelerating its preparation for the 2026 academic year, with further strategic and faculty appointments expected to be announced shortly.
The University of York Mumbai will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from 2026 in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, Business, Economics and the Creative Industries. Designed with input from international industry partners, these programmes aim to prepare students for rapidly evolving global sectors and expand career pathways for Indian learners.
A strong focus on research will underpin the new campus from its inception, contributing to India’s innovation agenda in areas such as food security, environmental change and emerging technologies.
Explore more news
Bladder cancer may be caused by the body’s response to a common virus, new research suggests
Wednesday 3 December 2025
Tougher action on criminal landlords needed to overhaul failing system
Tuesday 2 December 2025
Ancient rubbish shows how early farmers learned to live with waste
Tuesday 25 November 2025
Particle accelerator waste could help produce cancer-fighting materials, study suggests
Monday 24 November 2025
York research helping to shape supportive care for children and young people with cancer
Thursday 20 November 2025