Francis Campbell.

NOTRE DAME has landed a heavyweight as its new vice chancellor, appointing a former close confidante of British prime minister Tony Blair.

Francis Campbell, who currently heads St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London will start his new role with NDA next January.

Prof Campbell, a former British diplomat, was policy advisor to Mr Blair from 1999-2001 and became his private secretary from 2001-2003.

He was then first secretary at the British Embassy in Rome from 2003-2005, and British ambassador to the Holy See from 2005-2011.

“I’m excited to be joining a highly experienced and qualified team of professional staff who can be duly proud of what they are achieving for Notre Dame’s students,” Prof Campbell said.