Wrexham University has appointed Moneypenny co-founder Rachel Clacher CBE as its new Chancellor, succeeding Colin Jackson CBE.
Wrexham University has appointed Rachel Clacher CBE as its new Chancellor. She succeeds Colin Jackson CBE in the role. Ms Clacher will be formally installed later this year, when she will become the University’s ceremonial head and ambassador. In that role, she will represent Wrexham University across Wales, the UK and internationally.
One of Wales’s Most Respected Entrepreneurs
Rachel Clacher is one of Wales’s most respected entrepreneurs, philanthropists and civic leaders. She is best known as the co-founder of Moneypenny, the Wrexham-based customer conversations company. She also founded the social-mobility charity WeMindTheGap.
In 2019, she received a CBE for services to business and disadvantaged young people. In addition, she currently chairs the Wrexham City Board, which helps shape the city’s long-term future and prosperity.
“Genuinely Surprised and Incredibly Humbled”
For Ms Clacher, the invitation came as a surprise. “I was first approached about becoming Chancellor around a year ago. Becoming an Honorary Fellow of Wrexham University in 2024 meant a great deal to me, but being asked to become Chancellor came completely out of the blue. It was genuinely surprising and incredibly humbling!” she said.
“It wasn’t a role I’d ever imagined for myself, but the more we talked about it, the more it felt like a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a university and a place that have both been important parts of my life.
“I believe enormously in what Wrexham University stands for. Social mobility has been at the heart of so much of my life and work. Through WeMindTheGap, I’ve seen how much talent and potential exists in people who haven’t always had the opportunities or confidence to recognise it in themselves.”
Connecting Worlds That Don’t Naturally Collide
She also highlighted the University’s strong local roots. “I also love that the University is so rooted in its place. Wrexham has given me an enormous amount over the years, and this felt like another opportunity to give something back. I’ve always been fascinated by what happens when you connect worlds that don’t naturally collide – education, business, charities, communities, government and young people themselves. The question I find myself asking again and again is: what could we do together that none of us could do alone? I’m excited to explore that with the University.
“Education can change the trajectory of a life. But so can somebody believing in you, opening a door or helping you see a possibility you couldn’t see before. I am so excited about what a university genuinely committed to social mobility can achieve: helping people not just get through the door, but believe they belong there, thrive while they’re there and leave believing in what is possible for them.”
A Warm Welcome from the University
Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, welcomed the appointment. “We’re delighted that Rachel has agreed to become our new Chancellor, and we’re grateful to our outgoing Chancellor Colin Jackson CBE for his hard work serving the University with distinction and dedication. Throughout his tenure, Colin has been an inspiring ambassador, championing our students, celebrating our achievements and helping to raise our profile nationally and internationally,” he said.
“Rachel’s appointment reflects Wrexham University’s commitment to fostering strong connections between education, enterprise, innovation and community impact, which are central pillars of the University’s vision and strategy.
“Rachel brings an exceptional track record of business success, social impact and place-based leadership to the Chancellor role as the University continues to deliver its ambitious Wrexham2030 strategy and strengthen its position as a world-leading modern civic university. We can’t wait to welcome her to our team.”
Likewise, Leigh Griffin, Chair of the Board of Governors, praised the choice. “Rachel’s appointment is a significant moment for Wrexham University. She combines world-class business leadership with an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others and improving communities,” he said.
“The Board is confident that Rachel will be a remarkable ambassador for our University, supporting our mission and helping us strengthen our civic impact and regional partnerships. We are equally grateful to Colin Jackson for his outstanding service and enduring contribution as Chancellor.”
Who Is Rachel Clacher?
Rachel Clacher, 60, grew up travelling the world through her father’s work as a civil engineer. Even so, North Wales was always home, with family roots in Bala, Denbigh and Llanefydd. Later, she studied French and Business Studies at the University of Sheffield.
Today, she is co-founder of Moneypenny, one of the UK’s leading customer conversations companies, headquartered in Wrexham. She also founded WeMindTheGap, which delivers programmes for young people across North Wales and the North West.
Beyond business, Rachel received a CBE in 2019 and became an Honorary Fellow of Wrexham University in 2024. As Chair of the Wrexham City Board, she also plays a big part in regional development and community initiatives.
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