Cardiff University: Prof Colin Riordan is new vice-chancellor

Professor Colin Riordan taught at Swansea University between 1986 and 1994

Professor Colin Riordan has taken up his post as the the new vice-chancellor of Cardiff University.

Prof Riordan was previously vice-chancellor of the University of Essex and before that served at Newcastle University.

He paid tribute to his predecessor Dr David Grant who is retiring, saying he wanted to build on his "outstanding achievements".

Prof Riordan takes up his role at the university on Saturday.

He has published widely on post-war German literature and culture, including editing books on the writers Jurek Becker, Uwe Johnson and Peter Schneider.

Other research interests include the history of environmental ideas in German culture.

'Very privileged'

Cardiff University said he had extensive experience of teaching and improving the student experience, and in 2009 he chaired the Higher Education Funding Council for England's inquiry into teaching quality.

His previous teaching posts include an eight-year stint at Swansea University.

Prof Riordan said: "I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Cardiff University and build on the outstanding achievements of Dr David Grant and all his colleagues in the university.

"This is a very challenging time in the development of higher education. However, as Wales's leading university, Cardiff is well placed to play a significant role in the future landscape upon which so much depends."