Visiting Professors
Ulster University Business School are delighted to appoint a number of high-profile visiting professors who perform a variety of activities with the aim of enriching student experience, developing curriculum and contributing to the research activities of the School. Visiting professors are attached to Departments within the School and contribute their knowledge, expertise in a variety of different ways depending on their own strengths and expertise.
The webpage provides information on our Visiting Professoriate and gives some examples of the key role that they play in the life and development of Ulster University Business School.
Prof Mark Durkin on the value of UUBS Visiting Professor Network.
Our visiting professors
Professor Prof Ken Addley OBE
Faculty Research Champion, Faculty of Occupational Medicine
Professor Prof Ken Addley OBE
Job Title
Faculty Research Champion
Organisation
Faculty of Occupational Medicine
Expertise
Lead the development of a five-year research strategy for the Faculty which will identifies key research questions; Collaborate with other bodies to promote research in the area of employee health, wellbeing and engagement Encourage and support the occupational health community in Ireland to undertake high quality original research; Provide a focus for researchers in the field of occupational health practice; Assist the OH community in Ireland in the development of appropriate audit activities. Fellow of Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Ireland Fellow of Faculty Occupational Medicine, UK Fellow Royal College of Physicians, Ireland
Role at Ulster University
I have a close engagement with senior lecturer Dr Robert Kerr in the Ulster Business School and also as part of the wider research and publication work we have carried out.
Most recently a jointly authored chapter on mental health issues at work in an internationally published book on occupational health practice.
I have given guest presentations on the benefits of employee wellbeing and employee engagement to Master’s students at the UU as well as a research seminar delivered in Dublin jointly with a lecturer from UU to specialist trainees of the Royal College of Physicians.
I have been an active participant in the Northern Ireland Wellbeing Longitudinal Study [Stormont Study] established in 2011, to investigate the impact of social and occupational factors on employee engagement, wellbeing and performance over a two year period.
A multi-disciplinary research team including academics from University of Ulster [Ulster Business School] Loughborough University [School of Business & Economics] and Nottingham University [Inst of Work, Health & Organisations].
There have been over 15 Publications and conference proceedings in the field of employee wellbeing and engagement to date from this collaboration.
Research Excellence Framework 2014: Advancing HR practice through employee wellbeing strategies - I have been associated with this Impact Case Study which contributed to the University of Ulster Business and Management Unit of Assessment (UoA) having 98% of its research recognised as international in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the REF 2014.
Professor Grainne Allen
Head of Product Development, Marks and Spencer
Professor Grainne Allen
Job Title
Head of Product Development
Organisation
Marks and Spencer
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Professor Allen plays a considerable role on the BSc Hons Consumer Management and Food Innovation programme and helps to provide work based projects for students to work on with high profile companies.
She has helped to develop new modules on courses using her industry expertise and has also guided final year students when considering employment opportunities in the food industry.
Professor Philip Bain
Co Founder, ShredBank
Professor Philip Bain
Job Title
Co Founder
Organisation
ShredBank
Expertise
Best Selling Author of Start to Grow & Start to Lead / Keynote Speaker / Visiting Professor Ulster University / The Prince’s Trust Council Member / Board Member of Enactus / Chairman & Director
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Bain has contribute to a number of progammes and events across the Business School and has presented lectures in entrepreneurship. He has also organised undergraduate placement opportunities and post-graduation internships.
Professor Ken Belshaw
Co-Founder/Managing Director, Grafton Recruitment
Professor Ken Belshaw
Job Title
Co-Founder/Managing Director
Organisation
Grafton Recruitment
Expertise
Ian has a wide range of experience of forensic services. He has led a diverse range of investigations in relation to fraud, financial crime, regulatory compliance, financial and procurement irregularities, breaches of corporate governance and conflicts of interest. He also has an established track record of supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to tackle fraud and organised crime within criminal, civil recovery and tax investigations, providing specialist forensic accounting inputs, including asset tracing and asset confiscation support. Ian regularly acts as an expert accountant on financial aspects of commercial and transaction disputes, professional indemnity and personal injury claims. Honorary Consul of Hungary in NI. Over 30 years took Grafton from start-up to 47 offices in 16 countries and world-wide sales of £ 150 million pa
Role at Ulster University
Ken’s most recent…and in his opinion, most enjoyable, has been working with business school students in workshops to develop street-wise tips on work and business opportunities. This helps students to prepare fully for life post university and compliments their academic studies.
Professor Simon Bridge
Author and researcher, Board member on several third sector (community or arts) organisations.
Professor Simon Bridge
Job Title
Author and researcher
Organisation
Board member on several third sector (community or arts) organisations.
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
I provide expert guest lectures on enterprise (for UU and several other HE establishments) – and discussions with interested staff. In this I try to provide a fresh perspective (and therefore an opportunity for UU leadership?) and my particular current focus is on the need to reassess some of the assumptions we have made (and which underpin some of our enterprise policy) but which appear on closer inspection to be questionable at best. Therefore correcting these could provide useful new insights.
Professor Claire Colhoun
CEO , Ubisense
Professor Claire Colhoun
Job Title
CEO
Organisation
Ubisense
Expertise
Prof Colhoun is an extremely successful entrepreneur and is regularly asked to contribute to international symposia and has undertaken keynote addresses. Prof Colhoun has been involved with leading tech based organisations including 8over8, Aveva Contract Management Systems and Ubisense.
Role at Ulster University
Prof Colhoun takes an active role in the Ulster University Business School, particularly on the MBA as well as undergraduate courses. She also has helped staff in the development of new modules and is a member of the Department of Global Business and Enterprise Strategic Advisory Board.
Professor Sean Duffy
Innovation Markets Leader – EY Ireland, EY
Professor Sean Duffy
Job Title
Innovation Markets Leader – EY Ireland
Organisation
EY
Expertise
I am responsible for commercialising new product innovation and services within our global firm and client base. My professional background is Mergers & Acquisitions, with a particular focus on value realisation for entrepreneur led and family owned businesses. I led the EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ programme in Ireland from 2013-2017. Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
Role at Ulster University
I am engaged in defining and embedding a culture of entrepreneurship within the University and amongst the student population.
Professor Robert Fitzpatrick
Chief Executive, The Odyssey Trust Company Ltd
Professor Robert Fitzpatrick
Job Title
Chief Executive
Organisation
The Odyssey Trust Company Ltd
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Provide expert guest lectures in performance management and organisational change.
Provide mentoring for undergraduate students on business studies courses.
Committed to representing the opportunity to promote study abroad across all of the NCAA colleges through our contacts with the commissioners and athletic directors of the participating colleges.
Professor Tony Gandy
Director, Associate Director and Reader, London Institute of Banking and Finance
Professor Tony Gandy
Job Title
Director
Organisation
Associate Director and Reader, London Institute of Banking and Finance
Expertise
Financial Technology Strategy Consultancy
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Gandy has undertaken a key role as an advisor to Ulster University Business School on refreshing the MSc Global Capital Markets curriculum. He has hosted visits to the London Institute of Banking and Finance for Ulster University Business School staff.
He has also chaired a worshop on crowdfunding, in collaboration with InvestNI to support local SMEs and increase the profile of developing research interests in this area.
Professor Judith Gillespie CBE
Former Assistant Chief Constable, PSNI
Professor Judith Gillespie CBE
Job Title
Former Assistant Chief Constable
Organisation
PSNI
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Gillespie delivers guest lectures on a number of our courses, including BSc HRM and MLD as well as MSc HRM and MBA.
She is a successful role model for female students at Ulster University Business School and is an excellent ambassador.
Professor Anthony Harbison
Director of Safer Communities, Department of Justice
Professor Anthony Harbison
Job Title
Director of Safer Communities
Organisation
Department of Justice
Expertise
Global Resident of ACCA
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Harbison contributes to the dissemination of various research and professional education related activities in the Business School. He has supported the dissemination of research in the area of gender equality issues at executive level in the NI public sector to OFMDFM.
Prof Harbison has also organised and hosted several events for students and staff in Stormont.
Professor Julie Hastings
Marketing Director, Hastings Hotels
Professor Julie Hastings
Job Title
Marketing Director
Organisation
Hastings Hotels
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Hastings contributes to specialist teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, using her expertise from the hotel / hospitality industry. She provides a Hastings Hotels’ Award for Excellence in Irish Hospitality for Business School students and has also been a keynote speaker at events organised by the Department of Hospitality and Tourism. Prof Hastings promotes placements and graduate opportunities for students within Hastings Hotels and has also provided input into modules and courses to ensure they remain industry relevant.
Professor Jackie Henry
Senior Partner, Deloitte NI
Professor Jackie Henry
Job Title
Senior Partner
Organisation
Deloitte NI
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Henry has worked with the Business School to develop an apprenticeship BSc Business Technology programme in conjunction with Deloitte.
Prof Henry works with the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics to ensure an employer-led curriculum and supports students on the BSc Accounting and BSc Finance and Investment courses.
Professor Mike Johnston MBE
Chief Executive, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland
Professor Mike Johnston MBE
Job Title
Chief Executive
Organisation
Dairy Council for Northern Ireland
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Johnston works with Ulster University Business School students providing his organisation as a case study for the Competitiveness module on the MSc Business Development and Innovation course.
He has also been involved with lectures, seminars and providing feedback and insights to students.
Prof Johnston also provides support and expertise the Agri Food Development Centre.
Professor Derek Kennedy
Business Transformation Director, Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland
Professor Derek Kennedy
Job Title
Business Transformation Director
Organisation
Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland
Expertise
Member of the Northern Ireland Strategic Investment Board
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Kennedy contributes guest lectures on the MSc Business Improvement and MBA courses, using his extensive knowledge of business transformation. He also supports students through learning sets.
Professor Alain Kerloc'h
Restauranteur, Ox
Professor Alain Kerloc'h
Job Title
Restauranteur
Organisation
Ox
Expertise
Restauranteur – running the front house of Ox, Sommelier and Restaurant manager
Role at Ulster University
Sharing industry experience of working in the restaurant trade with students
Professor David Lavery
Director, Access to Justice
Professor David Lavery
Job Title
Director
Organisation
Access to Justice
Expertise
From 1998 until 2001 he served as Principal Private Secretary to Northern Ireland’s First Minister, the Rt Hon David Trimble. Mr Lavery became head of the DOJ’s Access to Justice Directorate in November 2011. Called to the Northern Ireland Bar in 1980, he has degrees from Queen’s University, Belfast and Harvard Law School. He was made a CB in 2008
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Lavery has undertaken a key role as a mentor to students on the BSc (hons) Accounting and Law course. He has arranged seminars and contributes to the activities of the Business School and its courses.
He has hosted visits for students such as visits to Laganside Courts allowing students to hear from members of the NI court and being briefed on their processes.
Professor Lee Jolliffe
, University of New Brunswick
Professor Lee Jolliffe
Job Title
Organisation
University of New Brunswick
Expertise
Professor Jolliffe has an academic background in museum studies with a Masters (University of Toronto) and PhD (University of Leicester) in this field. Prior to her work at the University of New Brunswick in Canada (2001 – 2019), Lee had careers in heritage management and hospitality and taught tourism at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada and the University of Strathclyde where she also completed her post-doctoral studies. Her current research focuses on cultural and heritage tourism and various forms of culinary tourism including the niche areas of "tea tourism" and "coffee tourism". Ongoing research projects include the study of: destination branding through events; tea and rural tourism in Asia; craft drink tourism; and rural food tourism networks.
Role at Ulster University
As a Visiting Professor Dr Jolliffe facilitates a number of workshops, focusing on research within the area of tourism, notably rural tourism and food tourism. In addition, she works on collaborative projects with relevant staff, and participate in the activities of the tourism research cluster. Dr Jolliffe also delivers to undergraduate and postgraduate students in relation to her areas of research expertise.
Professor Dezhi Liu
Professor, Ulster University
Professor Dezhi Liu
Job Title
Professor
Organisation
Ulster University
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. Liu works with Ulster University Business School to ensure that curriculum on our courses has an international focus. He has supported Ulster staff during teaching commitments in China and also contributes to research publications.
Professor Lester Manley
Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Manleys Branding House, trailblazer BBQ
Professor Lester Manley
Job Title
Business Owner, Entrepreneur
Organisation
Manleys Branding House, trailblazer BBQ
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof Manley presents guest lectures on marketing modules lending his experience and expertise to students. He also helps students to form into business venture teams in order to complete assignments for the Business Venture module.
Professor Lesley McClure
Non Executive Director, PWC
Professor Lesley McClure
Job Title
Non Executive Director
Organisation
PWC
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof McClure uses her market research expertise though guest lectures on courses at Ulster University Business School, including the MBA. She is able to ensure that students are informed of how market research can be applied practically on of current developments within the industry.
Professor Ian McConnell
Partner, PWC
Professor Ian McConnell
Job Title
Partner
Organisation
PWC
Expertise
Ian has a wide range of experience of forensic services. He has led a diverse range of investigations in relation to fraud, financial crime, regulatory compliance, financial and procurement irregularities, breaches of corporate governance and conflicts of interest. He also has an established track record of supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to tackle fraud and organised crime within criminal, civil recovery and tax investigations, providing specialist forensic accounting inputs, including asset tracing and asset confiscation support. Ian regularly acts as an expert accountant on financial aspects of commercial and transaction disputes, professional indemnity and personal injury claims.
Role at Ulster University
Prof McConnell has worked with the Business School to develop courses in the forensic accounting specialist area and also advises on course development to ensure they are professionally relevant. He works with students to develop employability skills and has arranged for students to visit the PWC offices and has shared his industry insights with them.
Professor Feargal McCormack
Managing Director, PKF-FPM
Professor Feargal McCormack
Job Title
Managing Director
Organisation
PKF-FPM
Expertise
President of Chartered Accountants Ireland
Role at Ulster University
Prof McCormack works with Ulster University Business School on a high profile annual lecture event at which a high profile business person is interviewed to pass on his/her wisdom to an assembled audience.
Professor Bob McCullough
Retired Partner, PwC
Professor Bob McCullough
Job Title
Retired Partner
Organisation
PwC
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Bob teaches MSc Students studying Management Consultancy modules within the post graduate masters. These modules take the form of 2-3 day residential classes and Bob uses his industry experience to ensure that students get excellent industry insight.
Professor Niall McKenna
Restauranteur, James Street South
Professor Niall McKenna
Job Title
Restauranteur
Organisation
James Street South
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. McKenna provides support and guidance to culinary students in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Academy restaurant.
He also opens his restaurant for students to visit and discuss the business aspects of running a successful culinary operation.
Professor Niall McKeown
Founder and CEO, Ionology
Professor Niall McKeown
Job Title
Founder and CEO
Organisation
Ionology
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof. McKeown is one of Northern Ireland leading digital thinkers. He has contributed to curriculum and development and also delivery of modules. Along with Ulster University Business School Executive Dean Prof Mark Durkin, Niall has co-authored a book on digital marketing and business.
Professor Gordon Milligan
Deputy Chief Executive, Translink
Professor Gordon Milligan
Job Title
Deputy Chief Executive
Organisation
Translink
Expertise
Chair Of IOD, Chair Business in the Community Workplace Leadership Team - Responsibility for Human Resources, Legal Services, Information Technology, Business Improvement, Corporate Safety and Internal Communications - Member Ministerial Roundtable on Employee Relations in Northern Ireland - Chartered Fellow of CIPD - Fellow IOD
Role at Ulster University
Lecture at MBA & Post Graduate Programmes
Professor John Simpson
Economist and journalist, Economic Commentator
Professor John Simpson
Job Title
Economist and journalist
Organisation
Economic Commentator
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
John has given a number of guest lectures to students and chaired high-profile events which involve both members of the University and outside organisations.
John is a high-profile business writer who is able to provide students with context of the Northern Ireland economy and the organisations who operate within it.
Professor David Taylor
Founder of Naked Leader, Naked Leader
Professor David Taylor
Job Title
Founder of Naked Leader
Organisation
Naked Leader
Expertise
David works with top leaders around the world, including the CEOs from Ford, Veolia and NHS Blood and Transplant. Over 300,000 people have attended a David Taylor event, across over 50 countries. He has written books and blogs on the subject of leadership. Author of 5 best-selling books in over 30 languages - The Business Ambassador for The Princes Trust - Adviser to China’s first eco village – The Hua Tao project
Role at Ulster University
David has supported the Faculty’s Executive Team and contributes his expertise in the classroom to masters students in the Business School.
Professor Paul Wickens
Chief Executive, Dept. of Finance – Enterprise Shared Services
Professor Paul Wickens
Job Title
Chief Executive
Organisation
Dept. of Finance – Enterprise Shared Services
Expertise
Paul is the Chief Executive of Enterprise Shared Services and CIO for the Northern Ireland Civil Service. He is a Deputy Secretary and sits on the Board of the Department of Finance. ESS employs around 750 staff and provides shared services to over 25,000 users for ICT, Digital Transformation, HR, Finance, Pensions and Property Management and has won a number of significant awards. These include a EFQM 3* Award; a Top 100 placing in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For Awards; and Shared Services & Outsourcing Network (SSON) European Award for Excellence in Transformation. Paul is responsible for Digital Transformation, ICT and Cyber Strategies and he chairs the Northern Ireland Cyber Leadership Board. His career spans over 30 years in the ICT (private and public) sector – in UK and internationally. Member of British Computer Society
Role at Ulster University
Paul occasionally lectures on MSc and MBA courses and has provided guidance to a PhD student in the area of shared services. He has also guided course development to ensure graduates are getting the most relevant experience and expertise for key public sector jobs. His particular areas of expertise are Innovation, Leadership, Change Management and Shared Services.
Professor Donna Worsley
Food Innovation Director, Oscar Mayer Group
Professor Donna Worsley
Job Title
Food Innovation Director
Organisation
Oscar Mayer Group
Expertise
Role at Ulster University
Prof Worsley provides invaluable advice and consultancy regarding product development and innovation in the food retail sector. She provides support to students in their work on the Food Innovation module.