The University of Aberdeen Mumbai has strengthened its founding leadership team with the appointment of Professor Marnie Campbell as Provost and Vinu Chakravarthy as Chief Operating Officer (COO), ahead of welcoming its inaugural student cohort in September 2026. The appointments reinforce the University’s commitment to delivering globally recognised, research-led education in India.
Professor Marnie Campbell brings more than two decades of academic and executive leadership experience across universities, government, and international organisations. She has previously held senior leadership positions at Edith Cowan University, Deakin University, and the University of Waikato, while also contributing to national and United Nations environmental initiatives.
As Provost, Professor Campbell will provide academic leadership for the University of Aberdeen’s Mumbai campus, working closely with faculty and institutional teams to deliver an international learning experience while advancing academic excellence, sustainability, ethical research, and global engagement.
Joining the institution as Chief Operating Officer, Vinu Chakravarthy brings nearly two decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, campus operations, institutional growth, student experience, and P&L management across India and the UAE. In his new role, he will oversee professional services, strategic initiatives, and campus operations, with a focus on operational readiness and building a strong foundation for the University’s Mumbai campus.
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Marnie Campbell said:
“The establishment of the University of Aberdeen Mumbai marks an exciting new chapter in the University’s global journey. Together with an exceptional leadership team, we have a unique opportunity to create an inclusive, research-led learning environment that reflects Aberdeen’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence while responding to the aspirations of students in India. We look forward to building a campus that empowers students with the knowledge, skills and global perspective needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Vinu Chakravarthy added:
“Joining the University of Aberdeen Mumbai at this pivotal stage is an exciting opportunity to help establish an institution that combines the University’s rich academic heritage with a world-class student experience. As we prepare for our inaugural intake, our focus will be on building strong operational foundations, fostering a collaborative campus environment and creating systems that enable students, faculty and staff to thrive. I look forward to working with colleagues across the University to bring Aberdeen’s legacy of excellence to India.”
The appointments come after the University of Aberdeen received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its Mumbai campus. Scheduled to open in Powai in September 2026, the campus will offer undergraduate programmes in Computing, Data Science, and Business Management, along with postgraduate programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Business Administration.
