About

I am the Director of Derby International Business School at the University of Derby, where I provide strategic leadership across the school’s academic programmes, partnerships, and professional engagement. I have the privilege of leading a vibrant community of staff, students, and industry partners who share a commitment to driving innovation, enterprise, and responsible leadership.

Since joining the University in 2016, I have played a key role in advancing the school’s national and international accreditations, including achieving the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ Small Business Charter, EFMD Programme Accreditation, and PRME, while leading our progression towards AACSB accreditation. I am committed to embedding a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring the school remains industry-engaged and focused on delivering real-world impact while preparing graduates to shape the future of business and society.

With more than 30 years of senior leadership and academic experience, my expertise spans strategic management accounting, risk management, and global supply chain management. I have led a number of regional initiatives, including the Top 200 Businesses in Derbyshire Listing and the Help to Grow: Management Programme, strengthening the school’s role in supporting SME resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.

I am proud to be leading the school into a new era in its purpose-built home, the Cavendish Building—a world-class facility designed to foster collaboration and partnership through state-of-the-art teaching, digital, and enterprise spaces. Recent initiatives have included the appointment of Theo Paphitis as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship and the establishment of the Institute of Carbonomics, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and entrepreneurial excellence.

Beyond my role at the University, I hold several external leadership positions. I am Vice Chair of both the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ Small Business Charter Management Board and the Executive Education Committee, where I help shape the national agenda for business school engagement with industry. I also serve as a co-opted member of the CBI East Midlands Regional Council, contributing to discussions on regional economic development and business policy.

Teaching responsibilities

Throughout my academic career, I have taught across all levels of higher education, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate and professional development. My expertise spans Accounting for Managers, Strategic and Financial Decision Making, Risk Management, Global Supply Chain Management, and Strategic Management Accounting—disciplines that are critical to developing agile leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world. I currently deliver the Financial Management module on the school’s Help to Grow: Management Programme, equipping SME leaders with the tools to drive sustainable growth and resilience.

Beyond teaching, I play an active role in shaping the student learning journey by integrating academic theory with real-world practice. I take particular pride in supervising a diverse range of learners, from undergraduate placement students to postgraduate dissertation and in-company project participants, helping them develop the analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills that employers value in the global marketplace. Through this work, I am committed to nurturing graduates who are not only work-ready but also future-ready—confident, adaptable, and equipped to make a meaningful impact within their organisations and wider society.

Professional interests

My aptitude for numeracy and business first led me to pursue accounting as a student. After completing my ACCA qualification, I began a career in academia, where I have held a variety of academic and leadership roles. These have included Postgraduate Academic Practice Officer, Programme Leader across multiple master's programmes, Strategic Resource Planner, and Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance.

In 2016, I joined the University of Derby as Head of Derby Management School, where I oversaw postgraduate academic and strategic development alongside externally funded business support programmes. I later became College Head of Accreditations, Executive Education and Enterprise Development, leading initiatives to strengthen the college's global reputation, achieve accreditation success, and enhance its impact on business practice and regional economic growth. Most recently, I have taken on the role of Interim Head of Derby International Business School.

Research interests

My areas of expertise span two distinct disciplines: Global Supply Chain Management and Corporate Performance. Since 2012, I have played a leading role in the Top 200 and Top 500 publications in the East Midlands, at various times overseeing all three regional Business Listings for Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. I have led various highly successful ERDF and ESF teams — including the Enscite project and Decarbonisation project — both of which made a significant and lasting impact on the local region, as well as overseeing the Help to Grow Management Programme, continuing my commitment to supporting regional business growth and development.

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Affiliate Member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
• MSc Accounting
• ACCA