Professor Brenda Gourley has been appointed as the Open University's fourth Vice-Chancellor. Professor Gourley, is the first woman to be appointed to lead Britain's largest and most innovative university.

Chairman of the Open University's Council Sir Bryan Nicholson said: "We are delighted that Brenda Gourley accepted this key position. Her qualities of leadership, extensive international experience and strong business skills will be invaluable to the Open University. The opportunities facing the university as a world leader in open and distance education are enormous and we are very pleased to have a Vice-Chancellor who will ensure that the University continues to flourish."

Following a distinguished career with the University of Natal as Professor of Accounting and Business, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Management and then Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gourley became Vice-Chancellor in 1994. She was the first woman to be appointed to lead a university in South Africa. Under her leadership the University of Natal has undergone a successful transformation increasing access to a wider variety of students and focusing on the demands of a 'knowledge society'.

Professor Gourley, chaired the South African Universities' Vice-Chancellor's Association from 1995-1997 and the Association of Commonwealth Universities from 1996-1997. She is married with four children.

"I look forward to working with my new colleagues at the Open University and promoting all that it stands for. I am particularly attracted by its founding principles that commit it to furthering social justice. In a world increasingly divided between haves and have-nots, as well as increased competition in higher education (both public and private), universities have particular social responsibilities," said Professor Gourley. "I would hope to assist the Open University in discharging these responsibilities, not the least of which will be to harness new technology to the effort," she added.

Professor Gourley took up office on 1st January 2002.