New Director for the University of Teesside’s School of Business & Management

The new Director of the University of Teesside’s School of Business & Management is Dr John Wilson, 41, who was previously Deputy Director of the Business School at Liverpool John Moores University. He is no stranger to Teesside, as his late father Jack, a joiner by trade, was born in Thornaby and was a keen Middlesbrough FC fan. Dr Wilson was born in Kirkham, Lancashire, and recalls attending matches at the old Ayresome Park with his father. He is now an avid Preston North End supporter.

After graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University and Lancaster University, he joined Lancashire County Council as a Graduate Trainee Accountant, becoming a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. However, teaching was Dr Wilson’s real ambition and he joined Liverpool Polytechnic’s Business School in 1986 as a Senior Lecturer, becoming Deputy Director in 1998. While at Liverpool Dr Wilson completed a PhD, which explored the impact of the Government’s policy of Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CCT) on local authorities.

Dr Wilson intends to enhance the teaching and research profile of the School and ensure it is the most obvious point of contact for the private, public and voluntary sectors in terms of consultancy and short courses. He said: "The School of Business & Management is doing an excellent job and there are clearly great opportunities. For example, Best Value in local government is high on the New Labour agenda, and this is an area where we have a lot to offer.

"I also wish to ensure that the School's programmes are consistent with the needs of the region and, where appropriate, sector-specific and customised. For instance, Masters awards, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA), may be developed and delivered in partnership with employing organisations."

Dr Wilson, who also has recent experience of working in the former Soviet republic of Kazakstan on a British Council project, added: "I am delighted with my appointment and totally support Teesside's ethos as the Opportunity University".

---