The Council of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) decided on Friday to appoint Zhang Xiang as the 16th president and vice-chancellor of HKU for a term of five years.
Zhang succeeds Peter Mathieson who will leave HKU in January 2018, according to a statement released by HKU.
Zhang is currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States.
Arthur Li, HKU Council chairman and chairman of the Selection Committee of HKU, said, "Professor Zhang's excellent academic standing and leadership, his integrity, his vision, the demonstration of his management capabilities, and the effectiveness of his interpersonal and communications skills make him a highly qualified candidate meeting the criteria adopted by the Council."
Zhang was delighted to be appointed president of HKU, saying he was "honored" by the appointment. He pledged to work closely with HKU's diverse stakeholders including the university community as well as government and local communities, to build cohesive and sustained momentum and support.
