By Lucy Adautin
The University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom has announced the historic appointment of British-Nigerian Sandie Okoro as its first female Chancellor.
Described as one of the country’s leading lawyers and an advocate for equality rights, Okoro brings a distinguished record to the role. Currently serving as Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered, she oversees the bank’s Legal, Group Corporate Secretariat, and Shared Investigative Services functions.
The University highlighted that Okoro, a Birmingham alumna, will succeed Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE, who steps down in July after a decade. She follows in the footsteps of notable predecessors such as the Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain and the Right Honourable Anthony Eden, the Earl of Avon.
Okoro becomes the University’s eighth Chancellor since its establishment in 1900. An alumna who graduated with a degree in Law and Politics from Birmingham before qualifying as a barrister at City, University of London, Okoro transitioned to a solicitor role and has held significant positions, including Head of Legal for Corporate Services at Schroders, Global General Counsel at Barings, and General Counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management. She also served as Senior Vice-President and General Counsel, and Vice-President for Compliance, at the World Bank Group.
Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell expressed excitement about Okoro’s appointment, calling her a “highly respected trailblazer in the corporate legal sector” and a proud University of Birmingham graduate. He praised her for her inspiring speeches about breaking glass ceilings and championing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
As Chancellor, Okoro will serve as the ceremonial head of the University, presiding at degree ceremonies, engaging with the community and stakeholders, and advocating for the University’s profile and reputation globally.
Upon accepting the post, Okoro said, “The wonderful University of Birmingham is the alma mater to three generations of the Okoros, my mum, me, and my son. My connection to it is very special. I have closely followed the University’s progress since my student days in the 1980s, and its dedication to impactful research, inclusive environment for minority students, and educational excellence are themes close to my heart. I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back to the amazing University that has given so much to me and my family.”
In recognition of her services to Diversity in International Finance, Okoro was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours.
