University of Exeter launches £150m fundraising campaign led by Sajid Javid

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Sajid Javid is returning to the University of Exeter to head its largest-ever fundraising campaign, a £150 million drive aimed at transforming research, student support and community impact by 2030.

The campaign, which will launch publicly in 2026, also seeks to secure 150,000 volunteering hours from alumni and supporters. It forms a central part of Exeter’s “2030 Strategy”, focused on building a greener, healthier and fairer future.

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Sir Sajid, who studied Economics and Politics at Exeter in 1991 and was awarded an honorary doctorate this year, said taking on the role was about giving back to a place that helped shape his career. 

He said: “Exeter played a pivotal role in my life and I’m delighted to give back to my University in this way. I encourage fellow alumni and supporters to join us in strengthening Exeter’s position as one of the world’s great universities.”

Over a career spanning politics and finance, Sir Sajid has held some of the most senior roles in government, including Chancellor of the Exchequer, Health Secretary and Home Secretary. Before entering Parliament in 2010, he spent two decades in international banking. 

He has since taken on roles in academia and business, including Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Visiting Fellow at Oxford University and Senior Advisor to JP Morgan. He currently works as a partner at Centricus Partners LLP and chairs the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

Sir Sajid takes over the chairmanship from Exeter alumnus Gerry Brown, who helped guide the campaign through its private phase and previously co-led a predecessor appeal that raised £71 million and 100,000 volunteering hours.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “Our new campaign will be markedly more ambitious than those undertaken in the past. With Sajid’s leadership, I am confident we can galvanise support in the UK and internationally, so that donors view Exeter as a natural partner to help realise their philanthropic ambitions.”

Gerry Brown added: “Philanthropy is vital for universities like Exeter. Its impact is visible not only in the achievements of students and staff, but also in the facilities that house them. I wish Sajid and the Exeter team every success in taking this campaign to the next level.”

The University will announce further details of the campaign in 2026 but has made clear the funds will be targeted towards global research, student opportunities and sustainability projects that align with Exeter’s long-term vision.