The University of East London has a new boss.

Professor Amanda Broderick will take up the post of vice-chancellor at the Stratford and Docklands based university in September, it was announced on Thursday.

Prof Broderick said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of East London. UEL is one of the most diverse and vibrant educational institutions in London.

“Its diversity provides an amazing ability for it to be an agent of positive change, to find solutions to the challenges of its communities and make a significant contribution in economic and social regeneration.

“I am extremely proud to be called to serve an institution whose education and research focuses on developing the ability of individuals, industries and communities to make a positive difference in life,” she added.

Prof Broderick is currently chief exec at Newcastle University’s London outpost and before that was pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Salford.

UEL boasts that people from 145 different nationalities can be found on its campuses.

It is now the 88th best university in the country – up from 107th place last year, according to the Guardian University Guide rankings, published in May.

Prof Broderick is a researcher in international business, marketing and communications. Her hobbies include horse eventing, dance and playing the piano – “badly but with enthusiasm”.

Geoff Thompson – the chairman of UEL’s governing board – said: “Professor Broderick’s appointment is an exciting moment in the history of UEL. She has an outstanding blend of academic and commercial experience and I am confident she will bring vision, new ideas and inspirational leadership.”

The university faced criticism last year after awarding former vice-chancellor John Joughin a 13.5 per cent pay rise taking his pay to £294,000 in spite of a drop in UK and EU student numbers.

A UEL spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate to discuss contractual matters before Professor Broderick takes up her position as Vice-Chancellor but we will publish full details of Professor Broderick’s remuneration package in our 2018-19 accounts.

“We are also keeping the Office for Students, the new regulator for higher education, fully informed.”

UEL traces its roots to 1892 when the council established the West Ham Technical Institute. Queen drummer Roger Taylor, musician Tinchy Stryder and Gina Miller – who led the campaign for MPs to approve Brexit – are former students.