Leeds College of Building Appoints New Finance Vice Principal

Experienced finance professional Chris Duncan joins LCB leadership

Leeds College of Building (LCB) has appointed Chris Duncan as its new Vice Principal for Finance & Resources. Mr Duncan brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, with a background spanning finance roles in education and local government.

Extensive career in finance and education

Before joining LCB, Chris Duncan held the position of Deputy Director of Finance at Leeds Trinity University. He also served as Group Finance Director at Luminate Education Group. His career includes roles at KPMG, Leeds City Council, and Leeds City College, where he gained broad expertise in financial management and leadership.

Key responsibilities and strategic role

As Vice Principal for Finance & Resources, Mr Duncan is responsible for overseeing several critical corporate services at the college. These include:

• Finance
• Human Resources
• Estates management
• Digital support
• Examinations
• Data and information services
• Funding compliance
• Data analysis and process improvement

The role is a senior leadership position, integral to supporting LCB’s growth and maintaining high standards for learner outcomes.

College growth and recent developments

Mr Duncan joins LCB during a significant period of development. Last year, the college was designated as one of the first Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) in England, a status awarded to only ten institutions nationally for the 2025–2026 academic year. LCB represents the Yorkshire & the Humber region in this initiative.

Additionally, the college has expanded its campus by acquiring a 5,000 square metre building adjacent to its North Street Campus. This purchase increases the college’s estate by approximately one third and follows a £750,000 renovation programme at the North Street site completed over eight weeks.

Leadership transition

Chris Duncan succeeds David Pullein, who retired after a long tenure as Vice Principal. The college’s CEO & Principal welcomed Mr Duncan’s appointment, highlighting his understanding of the regional education landscape and public sector financial leadership.

Mr Duncan expressed enthusiasm about returning to LCB, recalling his first visit nearly twenty years ago as an audit trainee with KPMG. He noted the college’s strong local and national reputation in construction and built environment training and looks forward to contributing to its future development.