After months of speculation and waiting, Sir Richard Sykes finally took up his post today as the 13th Rector of Imperial College. He succeeds Lord Ronald Oxburgh who had held the post since 1993.

Unlike his predecessors, Sir Richard comes from a business background. He first joined Glaxo plc in 1972 as Head of Antibiotic Research, before working his way up to Chief Executive. He later masterminded the merger of Glaxo with Welcomme to form one of the world's largest pharmasutical companies.

The late rector Lord Oxburgh had been very external-orientated, successfully representing Imperial College to sponsors and other external bodies. The significant fruits being several mergers and the creation of the Medical school. It was widely recogised that Prof. Bill Wakeham, Deputy Rector, was the man who really ran College. However, it is expected that the Sir Richard will adopt a more inwardly focused approach anctually take an interest in the day to day running of the College.

While some parts of College welcome Sir Sykes attitude to consolidate the growth and prosperity of Imperial College, it is believed that in some quarters there is growing fear at a possible shake-up. This is especially so for Sherfield, the long time beurocratic heart of Imperial that has been the moan of both students and staff. Hopefully this will result in the end of registry queues.

The greater ramifications suggest that the Student Union may also come under scrutiny. Though it is not entirely certain in what way, there have been suggestions that 'Beit Beuraucrats' will face a shake-up. At a recent Union meeting, ICU President Hamish Common commented with regard to the new Rector, 'be afraid, be very afraid'. Though Sir Richard takes up his post just in time for Colleges's inspection and approval of the new radically redrafted ICU Constitution, it is expected it will not be a high enough proiority for him to interfere.

Sir Richard looks set to make as significant a mark on College as his predecessor.