The University of Law has appointed its second chief executive in less than a year after the current postholder stepped down after nine months. 

Stelios Platis will take over as chief executive and managing director on 1 May, reporting to chairman of the board and former Home Secretary, the Rt Hon David Blunkett.

Platis will replace David Johnston who has been chief executive since July 2015, with his appointment meaning that three people will have held the role over a 12 month period.

Johnston was previously the organisation's chief operating officer and took up the chief executive role after his predecessor, John Latham, left the university by "mutual consent" after less than two years in the role.

Johnston will leave the organisation with effect from 1 June.

Platis, who has a PhD in finance and macroeconomics from the University of Cambridge, has previously acted as a consultant to financial institutions at KPMG and was head of strategic planning at the Cyprus Popular Bank Group.

He also founded and directed regulatory consulting and executive education firm MAP S.Platis.

Blunkett said: "His experience will provide critical impetus to the continued growth of the business and I very much look forward to working alongside him."

Platis said: "I am looking forward to working closely with the management team and to contributing to the critical role the University plays in the UK landscape and beyond."

The University of Law was granted university status in 2012 and has exclusive training relationships with firms such as Linklaters, Ashurst and Trowers and Hamlins.

In 2015 the University was sold by private equity house Montagu to Global University Systems for an undisclosed amount, three years after Montagu paid £200m to buy it.

In August 2015 Lord Tony Grabiner QC was appointed president and non-executive director of the University.

The One Essex Court commercial silk took up his role on 1 August 2015.

Commenting on Johnston's exit a spokesperson from The University of Law (ULaw) said: "Following the acquisition of the company by Global University Systems (GUS), David agreed to stay with the business to assist with the post-acquisition integration. This process is now well established and he has decided to move on to new challenges, whilst continuing to support the university and Dr Platis, the new Chief Executive, in an advisory capacity."