Professor Deborah Prentice became the University of Cambridge’s 347th Vice-Chancellor on July 1, 2023.

An eminent psychologist, Professor Prentice carried out her academic and administrative career at Princeton University, which she first joined in 1988. She rose through the academic ranks and took on administrative responsibilities of increasing scope, chairing the Department of Psychology for 12 years, serving as Dean of Faculty for three years, and then serving six years as Provost, with primary responsibility for all academic, budgetary, and long-term planning issues.

Her academic expertise is in the study of social norms that govern human behaviour – particularly the impact and development of unwritten rules and conventions, and how people respond to breaches of those rules. She has edited three academic volumes and published more than 50 articles and chapters, and she has specialised in the study of domestic violence, alcohol abuse and gender stereotypes.

The University Council nominated Professor Prentice for appointment as Vice-Chancellor in September 2022.

Holly Hill’s remarkable career spans both elite sports and financial services, showcasing her ability to excel in diverse fields. 

A graduate of British Rowing's prestigious World Class Start programme, she made her mark as a double medallist at the U23 level and a key player in Cambridge University’s Boat Race successes. Joining the World Class Start programme in 2013, Holly initially focused on sculling before switching to sweep rowing. In 2015, she made her debut in the Women’s Boat Race, and in 2017, she and her crew triumphed over Oxford by 11 lengths, setting a new course record. 

Internationally, Holly earned bronze and silver medals at the U23 level and debuted with the GB Rowing Team senior squad at the 2017 World Cup in Lucerne. Competing in the women’s four, she later partnered with Cambridge teammate Melissa Wilson in the women’s pair at the World Rowing Championships in Sarasota-Bradenton, finishing fourth. Her 2019 season included a bronze medal in the pair with Polly Swann at World Cup III. She was also selected for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, but the pandemic prevented her participation in the 2021 Games. 

Beyond rowing, Holly holds a degree in Human, Social, and Political Sciences from Downing College, Cambridge, a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, and is STEP qualified.Her  transition from sporting success to financial services has been equally impressive. She joined John Lamb Hill Oldridge, the UK’s leading specialist protection adviser, in 2022 as part of the Estates team. She quickly distinguished herself, winning bronze in the Financial Advisory Individual of the Year category at the 2022 Citywealth Future Leader Awards and Gold in the Family Office/UHNW Services Individual of the Year category in 2024, recognizing her as one of the brightest rising stars in the industry.