University to build business links

Nov 5 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE new boss of Newcastle University Business School has revealed his plans to develop the school.

New director Professor Ian Clarke joins the school from Lancaster University where he had been chair in strategic management and marketing since 2001.

He has previously held a number of appointments at the universities of Durham, Sheffield and Glasgow Caledonian as well as a senior management role at Tesco, prior to which he conducted research at The Australian National University.

Professor Chris Brink, vice chancellor of Newcastle University, said: “Newcastle University is known for its quality of academic staff. The fact that Ian has a track record of working in both traditional and new universities as well as significant business experience makes him ideally suited for the role of director of the business school and building links with business.”

Professor Clarke said: “I am looking forward to leading the business school, which has grown in size and stature year on year.

“With many exciting developments in the pipeline for the school, including a new building under construction on the new Science City site in Newcastle, I see this as the perfect opportunity to strengthen the university’s international standing and build closer collaborative links with business.”