Apple design boss Sir Jony Ive has been appointed as the new chancellor of the Royal College of Art (RCA).
Chingford-born Sir Jony is the technology giant’s chief design officer and succeeds entrepreneur and inventor Sir James Dyson in the honorary role.
The Apple executive – who holds more than 5,000 patents – received an honorary doctorate from the RCA in 2009.
He was knighted in 2012 for services to design and enterprise and is known for designing the iPod, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
“I am thrilled to formalise my relationship with the RCA, given the profound influence the college has had on so many of the artists and designers that I admire,” he said of his appointment.
“Our design team includes many RCA alumni, who embody the fundamental values of the college.
“I look forward to advising both the college and students, hoping that my experience proves useful in their work.”
As part of his role as chancellor, Sir Jony will preside over meetings of the college Court, become a member of the governing body and council, and confer degrees at graduation ceremonies, the college said.
His term as chancellor will last for five years.
The RCA’s rector Paul Thompson said: “We are delighted to welcome Sir Jony Ive as our new chancellor.
“It is a great honour to be joined by the world’s leading designer of his generation, who has produced consistently innovative and commercially successful technology and design.
“As chancellor, Jony embodies the RCA’s ideals of technology and design excellence, inspiring students and staff, and enabling us to educate the next generation of world-leading artists and designers.”
