SYDNEY UNIVERSITY'S deputy vice-chancellor, Don Nutbeam, has been appointed vice-chancellor of a British university.

Professor Nutbeam, an expert on public health, is a former student at the University of Southampton, where he will take the reins next September.

Professor Nutbeam worked at the University of Sydney's school of public health after he emigrated to Australia in 1990 but returned to Britain in 2000 to join the Labor government of Tony Blair as its head of public health. He has worked as an adviser to the World Health Organisation and as a consultant to the World Bank.

He returned to Sydney University in 2003 and was appointed its first academic provost in 2006.

Sydney University's management has undergone significant upheaval in the past year, with Gavin Brown retiring as vice-chancellor after a decade.

Although Professor Nutbeam was considered a leading candidate for the position, the University Senate opted for Michael Spence, a former student at Sydney University who was working at Oxford University.

Dr Spence said he had enjoyed a strong relationship with Professor Nutbeam in the short time they worked together.

"Professor Nutbeam has a deep understanding and knowledge of Sydney University gained during his 15 years here. He has applied this knowledge, together with his experience in government, health services and independent research centres, to develop the role of provost into a pivotal one for the university," Dr Spence said.

Professor Nutbeam said he was privileged to be returning to the university where he completed his postgraduate education.

"My time at Sydney University has provided an exceptionally rich experience and I am delighted that the timing of the appointment in Southampton allows me to continue work with my colleagues to complete important academic reforms at the university," he said.