University of Chester appoints new executive director

Lucy FitzHugh will join the university in January as executive director of estates.

She has worked on the successful delivery of high-profile projects and programmes and brings expertise across strategic estates consultancy, property management, facilities operations, business improvement and estates delivery strategy. 

Lucy is currently head of delivery strategy and assurance at NHS Property Services (NHS PS) and has enjoyed a diverse and wide-ranging career, with more than 24 years of experience in the property industry.

She started in professional practice with Savills where she progressed from graduate surveyor to associate director in her 12 years there and latterly worked for the renowned Cushman & Wakefield (formerly DTZ) within an advisory capacity before being seconded into the NHS.

Having worked successfully within the NHS on a consultancy basis she was asked to join NHS Property Services in a substantive capacity in March 2020. 

Professor Eunice Simmons, vice-chancellor of the University of Chester, said: At Chester we have made great strides in rightsizing and enhancing our estate and this work needs to continue.

"We also have ambitious sustainability targets and a desire to make the University more accessible to our communities.

"I am delighted to welcome someone with Lucy’s strategic experience to work with our executive, estates and facilities colleagues and indeed our wider regional stakeholders to achieve these ambitions.” 

Lucy said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Chester. This is an exciting opportunity and I am very much looking forward to bringing my property experience in both health and education and working with the estates team and colleagues across the University in leading the implementation of the university’s estates strategy.

"Through this, we can ensure a sustainable and optimised estate for the future and at the same time making sure our estate today is safe, complaint and efficient.”