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Grote retired from his role of managing director of The Independent and Independent on Sunday in 2008, after running the titles for nine years.

In total, he has spent around 30 years in the newspaper industry, beginning as a sports reporter in the regional press.

He joined Sir Ray Tindle in building up the London regional newspaper group Capital Newspapers, which was subsequently acquired by Independent News & Media, the owner of The Independent until this year.

He was replaced in his role as managing director by Simon Kelner.

Mary Curnock Cook, chief executive of Ucas, said: "Ucas Media, the commercial arm of Ucas, is a vital part of our business. UcasMedia revenues are invested back into the mainstream Ucas business which is a charity – our aim is to offer more and better services to our member institutions and to applicants. Terry’s heavyweight experience will be a huge benefit to the board."

The Independent currently publishes the annual clearing listings and a number of other student-related magazines for Ucas.

The commercial partnership is up for renewal next year.