Head of the Business School

Head of the Business School

Dear colleagues,

I am delighted to announce that following a competitive recruitment process, John Skåtun has been appointed as Head of the Business School. Alongside Bill Jackson, John has held the position of Interim Head of School since April 2023 and will therefore take up his position as Head of School from 1 November.

 

John joined the University in 1993 and throughout his employment has held a number of leadership positions such as REF Lead, Head of Economics, Director of Online Provision and more recently Deputy Head of School.

 

Welcoming his appointment John said: ‘’I feel privileged to be given an opportunity to lead the University of Aberdeen Business School. 

 

"The School has over the last seven years made significant collective progress, with the support of three previous Deans of School, in areas of transnational education, online provision and accreditation. 

 

"I will work with my colleagues in the School to implement the School’s 2030 strategy that closely aligns with the University’s 2040 strategic themes. We will continue to enhance our excellent teaching and student experience to all our students in Aberdeen and in Qatar, as well as our TNE partnership students overseas and our online students. 

 

"I aim to support high quality research and a research environment that fosters international recognised research groups rooted in Aberdeen but with an outward looking global reach. We will develop a School with stronger connection to practice, that embeds our external stakeholders both locally and internationally into our activities. 

 

"Finally, I look forward to working with colleagues within the School to fulfil our strategic vision and with colleagues across the University to facilitate interdisciplinary teaching and research.”

 

I know you will join me in congratulating John on his appointment and I look forward to working closely with him as his vision for the School develops.

 

I would like to extend my thanks to all colleagues in the School who participated in the recruitment process and provided feedback. I would also like to thank Bill Jackson for his excellent service as Interim Head of School alongside John over the last several months.

 

Best wishes

   

Karl

Professor Karl Leydecker

Senior Vice-Principal