The University of Plymouth has announced that David Noyes will be the new chair of its Board of Governors.
Now an experienced chairman and non-executive director, David spent most of his career in the private sector – most recently at Carnival UK, the parent company of Cunard and P&O Cruises, where he was CEO until moving into a portfolio career in 2017.
Following his appointment, which was confirmed at the March 2026 Board meeting, David said:
“I am honoured to be appointed chair of the University of Plymouth and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“This is an institution with a record of success to be justifiably proud of, notably completing over £100 million of new developments without incurring significant debt, alongside further developing its reputation for world-leading research and teaching in areas like the marine sciences, creative industries, defence, business, marketing and law, and being the largest provider of healthcare education in the South West.
“Plymouth is in a strong position to face the future, and I look forward to working alongside Richard Davies, the executive group and the whole University team, including my fellow board members, to build on these strong foundations.”
Over a long and successful career David has held executive leadership roles in the travel industry, including British Airways, Gray Dawes Travel and Carnival.
His boardroom experience includes chairing two airlines and Leeds Bradford Airport, while he is currently a non-executive director for Network Rail, and on the corporate advisory board of the Teenage Cancer Trust, alongside chairing Grays of Cambridge (International) and Celestyal Cruises.
David will take up his new role at the University after the current chair,
Professor Simon Gaskell retires at the end of July.
