Online learning specialists, Learna, welcome former Open University Vice Chancellor to their board

Peter Horrocks brings a wealth of experience to the position as the former Vice Chancellor of the Open University (@OpenUniversity), where he spent four years leading the distance learning provider. 

Prior to that, Horrocks held numerous roles at the BBC, including Head of Television News and Head of the BBC Newsroom. Most recently he headed up the BBC World Service, where he was responsible for overall editorial leadership and management from 2009 to 2014 with a particular focus on digital transformation.

During his time in post, he oversaw significant cuts and budget changes, leading negotiations with UK Government over future funding for the World Service and driving an increase in revenues throughout his time at the helm.

Peter has been brought on board as Non-Exec Director at Learna to support the ongoing growth of the business, utilising his expertise in distance learning, higher education, and digital transformation to support Learna’s business strategy and expansion plans. 

Speaking of his new role, Horrocks said:

“I’m delighted to be supporting Learna in its growth plans. The company combines two of my personal passions – innovation in pedagogy with delivering widespread human benefit, through supporting medical specialists around the globe. I’m looking forward to working with the fun and dynamic team at Learna.”

Courtenay Probert, COO at Learna, welcomed Horrocks to the team, saying:

“Peter’s track record speaks for itself, and his experience will be invaluable to us as we continue to scale Learna by partnering with more and more higher education establishments, both within the UK and internationally, in order to bring the most diverse range of medical and EMBA programmes to our learners across the world.

“Learna is growing at pace and Peter’s industry knowledge will be vital as we endeavour to consolidate and continue our success within the online learning sector. Particularly at this moment in time when online learning has never been the subject of so much focus, or demand”.

Learna offers a range of specialist online courses including postgraduate medical qualifications and a range of EMBAs through Learna Business School. Their courses are delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales, the University of Gibraltar and, as of July 2021, the University of Buckingham. 

Learna saw their highest ever student intake for the year 2020-21, with 63% more students enrolling than the previous year. The company has also seen rapid expansion in recent years; with their team almost doubling in the past twelve months, and turnover for 2021 estimated to be £6.5m.