The University of East London (UEL) has named Lord Aamer Ahmad Sarfraz of Kensington as its new Chancellor, effective from August 1, 2025. A British-Pakistani member of the House of Lords, Lord Sarfraz brings an extensive background in business, public service, and philanthropy to his new role, positioning him as a dynamic figure to help lead the university into its next phase of growth.
As Chancellor, Lord Sarfraz will act as a key ambassador for UEL, promoting its students, strategic mission, and institutional values. His appointment aligns with the University’s long-term Vision 2028—a bold 10-year plan to become the UK’s leading careers-first university. This vision focuses on core areas such as inclusion, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
Vice Chancellor and President of UEL, Professor Amanda Broderick, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, noting that Lord Sarfraz’s leadership in sustainability and dedication to educational opportunity mirror the university’s core goals. She emphasized that his experience and vision will inspire UEL’s highly diverse student body and enhance the institution’s broader impact.
Lord Sarfraz entered the House of Lords in 2020, becoming one of the youngest peers in the British Parliament at the time. He served as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Singapore from 2022 to 2024 and currently sits on the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.
His entrepreneurial background includes founding NetZeroAg, a company focused on promoting sustainable agriculture in developing regions. He also acts as a senior advisor to multiple publicly listed technology firms in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and electric vehicles. In addition, he advises several tech investment funds and continues to drive philanthropic initiatives through the Lord Sarfraz Foundation, which supports projects in education and equal opportunity.
Academically, Lord Sarfraz holds degrees from Boston University, the London School of Economics, and the Royal College of Defence Studies.
Expressing gratitude for his new role, Lord Sarfraz said he is honored to follow in the footsteps of former Chancellor Shabir Randeree CBE. He praised UEL’s legacy of creating opportunities for diverse communities and emphasized his commitment to supporting students in becoming future leaders and innovators.
His appointment comes as UEL accelerates its Careers Guarantee initiative, expands its practice-based research capabilities, and strengthens its social and economic impact across East London and beyond. With Lord Sarfraz now in a leading role, the university aims to further its mission of equipping students with the skills and mindset needed for success in a rapidly evolving world.
