Vivian Hunt Elected President of Harvard University Board of Overseers for 2024-25

Harvard University has announced Vivian Hunt ’89, M.B.A. ’95, as the newly elected president of the Harvard University Board of Overseers for the academic year 2024-25. Hunt, a distinguished business executive and former managing partner for McKinsey & Company in the U.K. and Ireland, currently serves as the chief innovation officer at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group.

Hunt’s election comes at a pivotal time as Harvard seeks leadership to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities the university faces. Her extensive background in management consulting and significant contributions to healthcare and life sciences are set to bring a fresh perspective to the board’s long-standing mission.

The Harvard Crimson highlighted Hunt’s role, describing her as “a voice for diversity and impact at scale.” Her leadership is anticipated to emphasize inclusion and innovation across Harvard’s various platforms and initiatives. Alongside Hunt, Tyler Jacks ’83, a noted cancer genetics researcher and MIT professor, will serve as the vice-chair of the executive committee, complementing Hunt’s expertise with his deep academic and research experience.

The Board of Overseers, one of Harvard’s two governing boards, plays a crucial role in guiding the university’s direction. It ensures the institution remains aligned with its educational commitments and adapts to the evolving demands of higher education. Hunt and Jacks, both elected as overseers in 2019, will assume their leadership roles in the final year of their terms, succeeding outgoing leaders who have significantly contributed to the board’s objectives.

Hunt’s career is marked by her dedication to advancing education, arts, and civil rights. She has served on several influential boards, including as the chair of Teach First, the U.K.’s largest education charity, and the founding chair of the Black Equity Organisation. Her service extends to the boards of the British Museum and the Southbank Centre, enriching her leadership with a broad cultural and philanthropic perspective.

Reflecting on her appointment, Hunt expressed her commitment to supporting Harvard’s mission of excellence and inclusion. “I am both honored and humbled to serve as the president of the Board of Overseers for the upcoming academic year,” she stated. Alongside Jacks and the university’s leadership, Hunt aims to foster a collaborative environment that upholds Harvard’s standards of excellence and global leadership in education and research.

Recognized widely for her contributions to the economy and women in business, Hunt was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2018. Her academic accolades include honorary doctorates from several prestigious institutions and recognitions from the Financial Times and the Powerlist Foundation as a leading figure in business and community leadership.

As Harvard continues to shape its future, Vivian Hunt’s leadership on the Board of Overseers is set to be a defining factor in steering the university through its next phases of growth and innovation.

Source: The Harvard Crimson