Dixon Walter make another key appointment to drive forward Estates and Facilities within HE.

Dixon Walter have recently completed a national search which saw David Hounslea appointed as Director of Estates, Facilities & Commercial Services at Lancaster University. Our sector specialists have been active across a number of key appointments recently which have included Lancaster, Leicester, Liverpool, Durham, UCLAN and most recently Exeter. Our extensive networks across Estates professionals both inside and outside of the HE sector have ensured dynamic and diverse candidate pools and utlimately successful appointments.

David has been Director of Estates & Facilities at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in Preston since 2017, and is currently responsible for all estates, facilities, property management and capital development services across two large hospital sites and a number of other premises.

He previously held the same role at University Hospital of South Manchester. He has 20 years’ experience at senior management level across the NHS, the Department of Health and in the private sector with a major consulting firm.

David says: “I’m delighted to be joining Lancaster and I’m very much looking forward to working with the team and with people from across the University. Among its many strengths, Lancaster has a great campus and I feel privileged to be part of its future development.”

From everyone at Dixon Walter, we wish David and Lancaster the very best of luck!

(https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/facilities/estates/news/lancaster-announces-new-director-of-estates-facilities-commercial-services-1)

Posted by Mike Dixon

Mike Dixon

Higher Education

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As the higher education landscape evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition.

In this edition of our newsletter we examine the rise of interim appointments in response to the current recruitment challenges, the future of international student recruitment and the latest articles to hit the press as well as a very special milestone…🎂🎂🎂

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2025 !! 🧡🧡

Higher Education

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This month marks a significant milestone for Dixon Walter, the executive recruitment firm renowned for its specialisation in higher education. Over the past decade, the firm—led by Mike Dixon and Alan Walter—has become a trusted partner to universities, facilitating transformative leadership appointments that have shaped the future of academia and contributed to wider societal progress.

Higher Education

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As executive recruiters specialising in higher education, we’ve witnessed a fascinating shift in recent months: the growing reliance on interim placements to fill critical leadership roles. This trend has been particularly pronounced over the last six months, as declining international student numbers have put significant financial pressure on institutions and the cost of living also having a detrimental impact on domestic student numbers. These economic challenges, coupled with an ever-changing landscape, underscore the adaptability of the sector and the critical need for skilled leadership during these turbulent times.