The new head of the London School of Theology is to be Rev Dr Calvin Samuel, a Methodist minister who is currently head of the Wesley Study Centre in Durham.
He is also Academic Dean of St John's College, Durham University.
Founded in the 1940s and originally known as London Bible College, LST is the largest interdenominational theological college in Europe.
Samuel said of his appointment: "I am excited to take the role of principal at one of the world's leading centres of theological study and training within a global city. I look forward to further developing the excellent work being done there, especially as LST grows its international reach through cutting-edge online study options in addition to its life changing on-campus theological education.
"These are challenging as well as exciting times for the Church and LST is uniquely placed to resource and inspire those who will lead, guide and shape not just the church of today but the next generation also."
Born in Barbados and raised in Antigua before coming to Britain to study at Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, Samuel went on to complete an MBA at Manchester Business School before pursuing PhD research at King's College London. He has served as a lecturer in New Testament at Spurgeon's College.
His wife Ramona is also a Methodist minister.
Chair of LST trustees Grant Masom said Samuel's was a "significant appointment". "We look forward to this new chapter in delivering first choice theological education with Calvin at the helm," he said.
Samuel will take up his appointment in January.
