Law alumna Nisha Katona MBE announced as next Chancellor

The Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Nisha Katona MBE as the sixth Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Campbell who presented the nomination says: “As our first alumni Chancellor, we couldn’t have a better ambassador, advocate and role model for our students and staff than Nisha, who began her journey with us as a student in 1992 and who now returns as the figurehead for our university.”

“Her extraordinary career has been an inspiration to all of us and she will bring a fresh new approach to the role of Chancellor as we take the university forward and celebrate our 200^th anniversary in 2023 – what better time to pay tribute to the achievements of our students and graduates than to welcome one our own alumni to our highest position.”

Nisha Katona studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University from 1992-1995 and joined Lincoln’s Inn as a Barrister in 1996.  She built up a successful family law practice over 18 years before leaving the Bar in 2014 to set up her own business, Mowgli – now recognised as one of the fastest growing restaurant movements in the country.  Mowgli combines Nisha’s dedication and commitment to sharing her love of Bengali cuisine driven by a compassionate business model, underpinned with integrity and a great community spirit.  In 2019, Nisha was appointed MBE for her services to the food industry and was recognised with a Fellowship from LJMU.  A regular broadcaster on television and across social media, Nisha has written books on Indian cuisine and speaks on a range of themes relating to entrepreneurship, women in leadership and on behalf of the restaurant sector.

Nisha comments: “I was a little overwhelmed when approached for such an eminent position as Chancellor. I felt very humble and particularly following such an esteemed colleague as Sir Brian but I have been welcomed to the heart of the university and I already feel like part of the lifeblood of our students, our alumni and our staff.  I am Liverpool in my heart and in my home; I am proud of my roots and I am proud to be a graduate from LJMU - I look forward to the part I can play as Chancellor of this great university.”  

Sir Brian Leveson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chancellor which is why I agreed to carry on for an extended term.  It has been my great pleasure and privilege to preside over graduations every year, to visit the university regularly and to be able to host our alumni events in Middle Temple.  Nisha will be a great Chancellor for the university - she is a new generation with an energy and connection with the students that will serve the university well as it moves into the next important stage of its continuing success.”

Nisha Katona will be the sixth Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University she will become Chancellor on January 1^st 2022.

The Chancellors of Liverpool John Moores University: 

Henry Cotton 1992 - 1993

John Moores 1994 - 1999

Cherie Blair 1999 - 2006

Dr Brian May 2008 - 2013

Sir Brian Leveson 2013-2021