LONDON (Diya TV) — Indian-origin leader and award-winning international education advocate Sanam Arora has been appointed to the Board of Governors at London Metropolitan University, marking a significant milestone in inclusive leadership in UK higher education.
Arora is the Founder and Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, the country’s leading body representing Indian-origin students and alumni. She is also a senior consultant in the investment management sector, advising some of the world’s top asset managers on strategy and transformation.
With this appointment, Arora becomes the youngest Independent Governor on London Met’s Board and one of the few young civil society leaders from the Indian diaspora to hold such a strategic role in a British university.
“I’m delighted to join the Board of Governors at London Metropolitan University — an institution that exemplifies what higher education should stand for: equity, ambition, and transformation,” Arora said in a statement shared by NISAU. “London Met’s values resonate deeply with me, and I’m excited to contribute to its next chapter.”
She joins Gerry McDonald, Group Principal and CEO of New City College, in this latest round of appointments to the Board. Their selection has been endorsed by Tijs Broeke, Chair of the Board of Governors, who highlighted their alignment with the university’s mission.
“Gerry and Sanam bring a wealth of experience that aligns perfectly with London Met’s goals,” said Broeke. “Sanam’s leadership and advocacy for international students complement our ambition to be a truly global and welcoming university. I look forward to working with her to strengthen our support for students and advance our strategic priorities.”
Arora’s background in corporate finance and education policy makes her a strong addition to the Board. She has more than a decade of experience advising global financial institutions on regulatory, strategic, and consumer protection matters. Her insight is expected to bolster London Met’s long-term financial governance and resilience.
Arora’s contributions to international education are widely recognized. She served as a Commissioner on the UK’s International Higher Education Commission, helping shape policy for future-facing education strategy. Through NISAU, she has also led high-impact initiatives like the India UK Education Conference and Achievers Honours, delivered in collaboration with the UK government.
One of her most significant achievements was leading a successful campaign to reinstate the UK Graduate Route visa, which now benefits hundreds of thousands of international students studying in the UK. Her efforts earned her recognition as one of The PIE’s 50 Most Influential Voices in Global Education in 2023, and she received the PIEoneer Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Higher Education Industry.
Born in India with roots in Delhi and Punjab, Arora studied Operational Research at the London School of Economics (LSE), where she received the Union’s highest honor — the Honorary Studentship.
Her appointment reflects not only a recognition of her deep commitment to education and equity but also the increasing role that diaspora leaders play in shaping the future of international education in the UK.
London Metropolitan University, known for its focus on equity, access, and social mobility, continues to elevate diverse voices to leadership positions. With Sanam Arora joining its governing body, the university reinforces its mission to serve as a beacon of inclusive and transformative higher education.
