BARNSLEY College has announced its new principal and chief executive officer.

Yiannis Koursis has been with Barnsley College since 2016 as deputy principal for development, joining from Loughborough College where he was vice principal. He has been serving as interim principal and CEO of the college since the departure of previous principal, Chris Webb, earlier this year.

Originally from Greece, Yiannis came to the UK in 1999 to further his studies. He is married to Liz with two young children and has over ten years’ experience as a senior leader in the Further Education sector.

Simon Perryman, chairman of governors, said: “We are delighted to have secured the appointment of Yiannis to lead Barnsley College and continue to promote our vision of ‘transforming lives’. Yiannis will strive to further grow and develop our college as we continue to ensure that all our students have a great time, achieve their aims and progress onto work or higher education.”

Yiannis, 43, added: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead and further grow an exceptional college. I have thoroughly enjoyed being deputy principal for the last three years, working with an outstanding staff team and fantastic students, and I really look forward to working with governors to build and strengthen our links in the local community and beyond.”

Yiannis takes up his role with immediate effect.