Senior appointments develop Business School’s practical support focus

York St John Business School has made two senior appointments which strengthen its practical support for businesses and public sector organisations.

Alan Robinson takes up the position of Deputy Dean following a highly successful career with Henley Management College and four years as a MBA Programme Director with Newport Business School and Bob Garvey joins from Sheffield Business School as Professor of Business Education.

Both are accomplished academics with extensive coaching and mentoring experience in the commercial world. Between them they have helped numerous businesses and organisations across the UK with the application of the latest leadership and management thinking. 

Alan Robinson said: “As one of the UK’s youngest business schools, York St John is perfectly positioned to deliver the fresh ideas and support that are so vital to organisations in today’s global marketplace - particularly in the face of unprecedented economic conditions. In the three years York St John Business School has been operating, they have done a tremendous job in adding value to the organisations with which they engage – delivering real benefits and breaking the perception that universities shut themselves away in an ivory tower.

“This is an exciting time to be taking up this key role within the Business School and I’m looking forward to establishing new links with the region’s leaders and managers, as well as introducing the outstanding team here in York to the organisations with which I’ve worked over the last 15 years.”

Bob Garvey, who has lived in York for 24 years, echoes Alan’s thoughts. He said: “I am looking forward to building on the great work that Jackie Mathers and her team have already done in establishing meaningful conversations with organisations and together find ways to develop successful economic activity in York.”

“As ‘academic practitioners’ we can make a difference to leaders and managers in all types of organisation by applying the latest research, knowledge and practice from across the globe to deliver practical support which is underpinned by academic rigour.”

Alan is returning to his native Yorkshire having gained extensive experience in global education and business development in West Africa, Argentina, El Salvador, South Africa and Spain. His UK experience includes being Executive Programme Director in the School of Management at the renowned Henley Business School during a decade with the institution.

To find out more about the leadership and management support available from York St John Business School, T: 01904 876915 or E: business.school@yorksj.ac.uk