Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations)

Responsibilities of the Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations):

  • deputises for the Principal and Vice-Chancellor within and outwith the University as required
  • oversight of the University space and asset management strategy
  • development of the University's international teaching and research strategy
  • relations with government ministers, policy makers and higher education sector bodies
  • line management responsibility for the Admissions Unit, Academic Registry, Careers Unit, Development Office, and the Global Office
  • Chairs the University’s Admissions, International, and Space and Asset Management Committees, and is a member of Academic Senate and the University Court.

Professor Brad MacKay

The current Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations) is Brad MacKay. He has held the VP role since 2017, Senior Vice-Principal since 2019, and the Deputy Principal role since January 2023.

Brad MacKay, Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations)

Brad MacKay is Professor of Strategy in the University of St Andrews School of Management.

He is currently Co-Lead for the Universities UK International (UUKi) PVC network, Vice-Convenor of the Universities Scotland (US) International Committee, and Chair of Connected Scotland.

From 1 May 2023, Professor MacKay has taken on the role of Interim Dean of the Business School.

Formerly, he held a Chair in Strategic Management at the University of Edinburgh Business School, where he was also:

  • Director of Engagement on the Executive Team (2014 to 2016)
  • Head of the Strategy and International Business Group (2011 to 2014)
  • Director of the MBA programmes (2009 to 2011).

Professor MacKay also held an ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) Senior Fellowship in the Future of the UK and Scotland programme (2013 to 2014).

He earned a BA in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, an MLitt (with Distinction) in Management, Economics and Politics (MEP) and a PhD in Strategy from the University of St Andrews.

He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).