Professor Michelle Jones has been appointed as Director and Executive Dean, and Uday Virmani has been appointed as Chief Business Officer. Set to open in August 2026, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will bring together industry, academics, students, and local community partners within a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the heart of India’s creative capital
As Director and Executive Dean, Professor Jones will lead the strategic development of the campus, spanning infrastructure, governance, academic mission and student experience.
With over 25 years of academic leadership across UK universities, Professor Jones focuses on ensuring a high-quality research-informed student experience. Currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Plymouth Marjon University, Professor Jones has an academic background that includes a focus on translational research in physical activity and wellbeing, with a commitment to research that delivers real-world impact for individuals and communities. She is passionate about ensuring that students engage in research and innovation as coproducers.
Professor Jones said: “I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to an institution with a world-class reputation and a proud 150-year heritage of academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. The opportunity to develop a brand-new campus in Mumbai, a city where there is abundant ambition and opportunity, and to be able to deliver global impact is incredibly exciting.
“My vision is for an inclusive, globally engaged, and locally grounded community, co-created through partnership, to cultivate academic excellence, foster opportunity and create transformative impact. It is important that the Mumbai Enterprise Campus elevates the global position and success of the University of Bristol, while also contributing positively to Mumbai and the Indian higher education ecosystem.”
Professor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said: “Professor Jones will play a pivotal part in building strong relationships with partners in India and internationally, and in creating a diverse, inclusive and forward‑looking academic community from the ground up. I could not be more delighted to have Michelle join us at such an important moment.”
As the new Chief Business Officer, Uday Virmani will drive the commercial strategy and growth of the campus by developing and refining the campus's direction.
A global higher education leader with multi-industry management experience, Mr Virmani brings more than two decades of extensive and diversified work experience across business and academia and has held senior leadership positions in the global higher education space, including at the Indian School of Business and the BITS School of Management. He is also currently undertaking a doctorate-level programme in Management from the Indian School of Business.
Mr Virmani said: “We will work on our vision of building a great global university campus in India. I am excited for this journey of establishing a world-class campus, which will foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and give a holistic new-age learning experience to our students.”
Lucinda Parr, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar at the University of Bristol, said: “I am very pleased that Uday will be joining us in a key leadership position at the Mumbai Enterprise Campus.
“His experience in fostering industry partnerships will help ensure that the campus is heavily integrated with industry, enabling our students, faculty and partners to collaborate on real-world challenges and drive meaningful innovation.”
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointments of our Director and Executive Dean, and Chief Business Officer for the Mumbai Enterprise Campus.
“These appointments mark a significant moment in the development of the new Mumbai Enterprise Campus. As our first senior leaders, Michelle and Uday will be instrumental in building a strong organisational foundation on which our new campus will thrive.
“Both bring exceptional experience, vision and momentum at a pivotal stage as we prepare to open the doors this summer.”