Tony Downes

Former CEO at University of Reading Malaysia

Pamber Green, England, United Kingdom

About

With 20 years' board-level experience, some of it as Chief Executive, and several years as a pension fund trustee, I would like to contribute now to something new. I am known for an inclusive and team-oriented leadership style. In the past I have led major construction projects, far-reaching restructuring and consequent workforce change, the merger of Henley Management College into the University of Reading, and the establishment of a wholly new overseas subsidiary in Malaysia. After 20 years as a mainstream academic lawyer, with interests in European and international commercial law, I turned to university management & leadership - which is what I have been doing one way or another ever since. The biggest satisfaction of my work has been to see young people develop into leaders in their own right. Leading the University of Reading Malaysia at its inception was a challenge but also a very rare privilege.

Experience

  • Chair of Trustees at Commonwealth Pharmacists Association
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

  • Chair Of The Board Of Trustees at Citizens Avice, Tadley & District
    Nov 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 8 mos

  • Citizens Advice Tadley & District (7 yrs 9 mos)
    • Chair of the Board of Trustees
      Oct 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 9 mos

    • Chair of the Board of Trustees
      Oct 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 9 mos

  • Retired (Hampshire, UK)
    • Professor Emeritus
      May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mos

    • Professor Emeritus
      May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mos

  • Former Chief Executive at Seeking NED roles
    Nov 2018 - Sep 2024 · 5 yrs 11 mos