With a distinguished career in consultancy, financial services, and governance, Lan brings a wealth of experience to the role. Currently the Senior Independent Director at Shawbrook Bank and an Independent Non-Executive Director at WNS Global Services, she has previously held senior roles at McKinsey & Company, American Express, Standard Life, and has served as CEO of Virgin Money Investments.
Throughout her career, Lan has led complex change, championed innovation, and prioritised impact, all the while maintaining a consistent commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and creating opportunities. These values and qualities, which are core to Queen Mary’s identity, will be invaluable in driving the University’s continued growth and future successes.
Lan also brings significant experience in the UK Higher Education Sector to the role – she is the current Vice-Chair of Council at King’s College London, a role in which she has chaired the Remuneration Committee and the Staff & Culture Strategy Committee.
Speaking about her appointment, Lan said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Council. Queen Mary’s distinctiveness and impact stems from the combination of its educational strength, research excellence and its inspiring culture. Whether at the vanguard of AI ethics and application, or influencing international health policy, or teaching its diverse student body, Queen Mary tackles embedded inequalities and transforms lives on a global stage. I’m very much looking forward to working with the President and Principal, Council, and the University’s excellent staff.”
Lan holds a joint degree in Mathematics & Chemistry from King's College London and an MBA from Harvard Business School.