New marketing director at Leeds Metropolitan

A qualified solicitor, Deborah was also a lecturer for more than 12 years, rising to Associate Director at The College of Law. She holds an honorary doctorate from the Russian Academy of Justice for her work in devising and implementing a scheme to introduce a new tier into the Russian judicial system.

Deborah was named Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year in 2006 after winning the Yorkshire Lawyer Enterprise Award while she was Regional Manager of the Law Society of England and Wales. She is the only non-practicing lawyer to have received the accolade. She is also a founder and director of Leeds Legal and is well known for establishing Marketing Leeds as the "networker of networks".

Deborah said: "The University sector is currently undergoing the most sustained period of dramatic change in its history. Maintaining high standards whilst driving down costs will be a continuous expectation from both central government and our key customers from now onwards.

"I believe that marketing as a whole has a key role to play in contributing to the university-wide agenda. By developing the profile of our university and its reputation among key stakeholder groups, whilst never losing sight of business as usual, I am looking forward to actively supporting our university's five year strategy."

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strategic Development, Dr Paul Smith, said: "Deborah brings with her a wealth of experience and is very well connected within the business community and in Leeds. I know that she has the ambition and expertise to ensure, with her team, that Leeds Metropolitan remains a popular choice for undergraduate and post graduate study, as well as CPD both in the UK and internationally."