Thank you for your visionary leadership and for moulding King’s into a truly world-class university.
David Blacoe (Mechanical Engineering, 1969), President KCLEA
13 January 2021
A Farewell to Professor Sir Ed Byrne
Leading King’s College London as President and Principal since August 2014, Professor Sir Ed Byrne has travelled the globe; meeting alumni, donors and friends of the university, and embodying King’s vision to make the world a better place. Getting to know alumni in the UK, US, China and South East Asia, Professor Byrne has been on more than 20 international tours during his time at King’s. Ahead of leaving his post at the end of January, we asked our global alumni and supporter community to share their farewell messages with him. We will be sharing all your messages with Ed, but here are a small selection of our favourites.
When I heard that Ed Byrne was coming to King's, I asked my friend at Monash if he knew about it - his answer was yes, and they would be really very sorry to see him go. I interpreted that as a very strong favourable recommendation - and I was standing at the coffee machine and started to talk to the person standing next to me, and mentioned this - unknown to me that person was actually Ed Byrne! My view is that he has done an excellent job as King's Principal, and sincerely wish him a long and happy and healthy retirement.
Professor Tony Davies, Emeritus Professor in the Dept of Electrical Engineering
Thank you for leading King's College London so effectively and for being such an inspirational and human leader. Your inspiring words and thoughts will always stay with us. I am very honoured I had the opportunity to work with you and be part of the creative time King's had under your Deanship.
Mary Zagoritou (MA Mathematics Education, 2006), Chairperson King's College London Greek Alumni and Friends Group.
Professor Byrne has also played an important role in developing relationships and building philanthropic income for the important work of King’s and our health partners.
Ed has made a tremendous impact on King’s College London during his six years as President and Principal. Both the quality of the learning experience and the university’s global standing have changed for the better. I cannot be more proud of my alma mater and this would not be possible without Ed’s leadership.
Dr Ming-Wai Lau FKC (LLB 2000, PhD 2007)
Ed, it has been great to work with you to further develop Santander’s partnership with King’s in recent years. Thank you for all of your support. Wishing you all the best for your retirement.
Matt Hutnell, Director, Santander Universities UK
All of us at the Alumni Office join our global alumni and supporter community in wishing Ed the very best on his return to Australia.
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Former President & Principal of King's College London