2 July 2012

New Director of Campaigns appointed at University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Agar to a new post of Director of Campaigns.

Peter Agar was Director of Development for ten years at the University of Cambridge where he achieved outstanding success in attracting philanthropic donations. During his time in Cambridge he designed and implemented Cambridge’s first institution-wide fundraising Campaign (the 800th Anniversary Campaign), forging partnerships with all 31 University colleges. The campaign, which was completed in 2011, exceeded its ambitious targets, raising a total of £1.2 billion.

Prior to his work in development, Peter Agar was UK Consul General in Toronto and Director of Trade and Investment for Canada (2000-2001). He also served as Deputy Director General of the CBI (1994-2000).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Keith Burnett said: "At a time when public funds are reducing and international competition is intensifying, developing new sources of support is vital to our students and to our ambitions as a world-class university. I am thrilled that Peter Agar is joining us in Sheffield. The Director of Campaigns at the University of Sheffield is an important new role which we have created to work with our faculties to develop strategically vital opportunities for philanthropy. In time we hope that this work will lead to our own major philanthropic campaign."

Commenting on his new role, Peter Agar said: "I am delighted to accept the role of Director of Campaigns at the University of Sheffield, a University rightly held in high regard in the UK and overseas for its outstanding research across all the faculties and for the quality of its student experience. I am looking forward to working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, academic colleagues and with Miles Stevenson and his team in the Development and Alumni Relations Office to help the University realise its ambitious goals."

Peter Agar has represented Higher Education fundraising through his membership of the Ross Group of Development Directors (which he chaired for two years 2009-2010) and as a trustee of CASE Europe. He has also been closely involved in developing the authoritative annual Ross-CASE survey of Higher Education fundraising and in contributing to policy proposals for strengthening philanthropy in the United Kingdom. He is a regular speaker at CASE conferences and seminars.

Peter will begin his work at the University of Sheffield in September 2012.