Ms Hackett led the Alliance through a turbulent period for university mission groups, and is credited with growing the organisation both in terms of membership and political influence during her time at the helm.
“Libby leaves University Alliance in great health with collective strength, a strong team and a clear and ambitious vision for the future,” said Steve West, vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England and chair of the group.
Among the universities that have joined the Alliance since 2009 are the University of Greenwich and Coventry, Glasgow Caledonian, Kingston and Teesside universities. However, since last year, the Open University and De Montfort University have left the Alliance, leaving it with 22 member institutions.
Ms Hackett and Professor West also travelled to Australia in 2013 to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Technology Network, which comprises five institutions in the country.
“Having first set up the University Alliance office five years ago, I am proud to be leaving a successful organisation driven by a strong sense of collective vision and an outstanding team,” Ms Hackett, who is set to leave in the autumn, said.
“I am deeply thankful for the support and wisdom of the vice-chancellors and many others who have enabled University Alliance to become a trusted, influential body. We have always taken a constructive, solution-based approach across government and have been rewarded for doing so.”
Ms Hackett is to join the global higher education team at headhunting firm Perrett Laver. A statement from the Alliance said the group has “initiated a global search for a new chief executive that will deliver an ambitious and transformational agenda over the next 5 years”.
