PROFESSOR Koen Lamberts is set to step down from his position as Vice-Chancellor of the University of York.

The university has confirmed that Prof Lamberts will leave at the end of October to become the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, after four years in York.

The university chair of council, Gerard Lemos, said Prof Lamberts had helped the university improve life for its students and extend its global reach.

He said: "Koen has been an excellent Vice-Chancellor. Since his arrival in 2014, the university has achieved significant improvements in its performance in teaching and research.

"He has overseen significant investment in the student experience with a particular focus on improving employability outcomes for our students. Our success in these areas is due, in no small part, to his strategic leadership and the delivery of the university's strategy ahead of schedule."

Prof Lamberts is also credited as helping to generate financial surpluses "that have improved the university's financial sustainability, enhanced our connections to business and industry which have, in turn, had a materially positive impact on student employability outcomes".

Prof Lamberts said serving as Vice-Chancellor of the university "has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my working life", and he would continue to work closely with the city through the White Rose Network, the N8 and the Russell Group.

He said: "I am proud to leave the University of York in a very strong position, and I am grateful to all our staff and students for the hard work that has allowed our University to flourish.

"I have valued enormously the collegial atmosphere here in York and the commitment that our staff and students give to creating a community dedicated to excellent teaching and research that benefits people and society. I want to sincerely thank everyone in the University community for their warm support throughout my time as Vice-Chancellor."

Mr Lemos will now lead the recruitment process for a new Vice-Chancellor.