Professor Nigel Savage, who led the transformation of the College of Law into the new University of Law, is to retire from his full-time post as president.

Savage, who has managed the institution for 18 years, will take up the title ‘emeritus president’ on 1 April.

Chief executive John Latham will assume the additional role of president.

Alan Bowkett, chairman of the university’s board, said: ‘Nigel has had a transformational impact on The University of Law over his 18 year tenure. Under his stewardship, the university has become a genuinely national and international law school with a much more diverse and flexible range of programmes, becoming a powerful force in terms of thought leadership to the sector.’

The former College of Law became one of the UK's first private universities after its acquisition by Montagu Private Equity in 2012. 

Savage said: 'We have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline so now is the time to step aside and I am delighted to hand over the reins to John Latham. The core of our success has been remaining true to our original values and commitment to legal practice and excellence in teaching and learning, and these remain the pillars of our future success.

‘Our new owners have reinforced this strategy through tangible investment and expansion plans and I am confident the university will continue to go from strength to strength.'