IUB alumnus Prof Osama Khan named VC of University of South Wales

Prof Osama Khan, an alumnus of Independent University, Bangladesh, has been appointed the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales in the UK. He will take office in May 2026.

Prof Khan completed his Bachelor of Business Administration at IUB's School of Business and Entrepreneurship in 1999, graduating as Valedictorian with a double major in Finance and Economics. He is the first academic of Bangladeshi heritage to be appointed to the top leadership role at a public university in Europe or America.

He is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Aston University. Before joining academia, he worked in investment banking. His academic qualifications also include degrees from the University of Cambridge, Lancaster University and the University of Surrey.

Prof Khan began his academic career in the UK as an Associate Lecturer at Cambridge. He later held senior roles, including Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Surrey and leadership positions at Solent University. He has taught at Surrey Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, HEC Paris, Copenhagen Business School and the University of Hong Kong.

He brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education. His work includes institutional reform, digital learning, student success, and evidence-based academic governance. At Aston University, he has contributed to academic transformation, graduate employability, inclusion initiatives and research impact. He has also been active in shaping sector policy on equity and student outcomes in the UK.

His appointment highlights the growing global footprint of IUB graduates and the wider presence of Bangladeshi scholars in international higher education leadership.