In this new role, Nigel will work closely with Professor Simon Swain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), to extend and deepen our relationships across the West Midlands region, and ensure we are connected with regional and central government initiatives such as the emerging Industrial Strategy.

Nigel is Associate Dean (Regional Engagement) and Professor of International Business at Warwick Business School, and will retain this role when he commences his term as Deputy PVC on 1 February 2017. His research focuses on various aspects of international business, but with an emphasis on the relationship between localities and internationally mobile capital. He is a leading academic on regional economic impacts of inward investment, and has worked with a range of international organisations such as the World Bank, OECD and European Commission. Closer to home, he has worked on regional economic strategy with the West Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and is now engaged with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Nigel said “I am immensely proud to have been offered this role at Warwick, especially as I have been here only two years. The Chancellor’s Commission highlighted many of the important contributions that the University makes to our local environment, and I look forward to helping colleagues develop these further.”

Commenting on the new role, Simon Swain said “Stuart and I regard this appointment as extremely important and timely. Nigel is an expert in this field, and brings a wealth of experience and contacts. This is a pivotal role to drive forward our emerging regional strategy and help ensure we can play a leading role in the exciting growth agenda in the West Midlands. We’re grateful to WBS for their contribution to our broader regional presence through Nigel’s new role and support for the Coventry Cultural Strategy development and the city’s bid to be City of Culture.”