The deputy vice-chancellor for business development at Coventry University will become acting vice-chancellor when Madeleine Atkins leaves the university in January.
Atkins is due to become chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Her interim replacement at Coventry, John Latham, has worked at the university for 30 years.
He will take on the role of vice-chancellor until a long-term replacement for Atkins is found.