Mount Announces Selection of New President

Mr. Newman succeeds Thomas H. Powell, Ed.D., President of the University since 2003.

The appointment concludes a six-month national search process conducted by a committee comprised of members of the University Board of Trustees, as well as individuals representing the Mount community. The search was led by Francis W. Daily, a member of the Board of Trustees, and a 1968 graduate of the Mount.

"The committee entered this process with a clear understanding of the board’s requirements for our next leader. We focused on those candidates with experience in fund raising, strategic planning and fiscal leadership, strong communication skills, and a deep Catholic faith," said Daily. "I commend my colleagues for the time they gave in searching for our next president."

The announcement was made during an on-campus Mass celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Born in the United Kingdom, Mr. Newman, 51, holds a BA degree (with honors) and an MA degree in natural sciences from Cambridge University, in Cambridge, England. Founded in 1209, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's third-oldest university. He also earned an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, in Palo Alto, California.

"Simon brings a strong background in business, finance, and leadership to our campus," said John E. Coyne, III, C’77, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "He has many strengths: his collaborative management style, vision, progressive leadership, experience as a successful entrepreneur, and passion for our mission – all remind us of the skills of our founder, Fr. John Dubois.

"He is a devout Catholic — involved in his parish serving as a religious education teacher, and for many years as an instructor working with youth held in detention. Simon’s energy and accomplishment, and notably his firm commitment to the Mount’s strong Catholic liberal arts tradition, will serve the University well as we enter a most competitive and critical decade in higher education," Coyne added.

"I am honored to help continue the Mount’s rich legacy and to further lead the University on its quest for greatness," said Mr. Newman. "President Powell has elevated the University’s academic profile as a leading Catholic liberal arts University. I am inheriting a very solid foundation for future growth and development, and very much look forward to joining the Mount community."

Mr. Newman has almost 30 years of experience working as an executive with a strong background in private equity, strategy consulting, and operations. He is currently a Managing Director of the private equity fund JP Capital Partners, as well as President and CEO of Cornerstone Management Group, founded in 1997.

During his career he has started or co-founded four different businesses, completed more than $33 billion in transactions, and raised more than $3 billion in equity funding for ventures and bids he originated. He has led several business turnarounds and delivered more than $200 million in profit improvements.

He started his career in consulting working with Bain & Co and LEK Consulting where he managed the media and entertainment practice working with clients such as Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal Studios. He has also worked at Canal + International, Liberty Media and the investment bank, Wasserstein & Perella.

An avid sportsman, Mr. Newman and his wife, Michelle, have two children: Chantel (six) and Sienna (three).