Businessman Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of International Airlines Group, is to give a talk at Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) on Monday 3 December.
Mr Walsh’s appearance is part of the Business School’s Business Leaders Series which invites high profile business people to share their experiences with students and alumni, as well as visitors from business and industry.
Prior to his appointment with International Airlines Group, Mr Walsh was chief executive of British Airways before its merger with Iberia to form IAG
Business Leaders Series
Dr Sophia Taylor, External Relations Manager at Nottingham University Business School, is delighted that the series is attracting such big names.
She said: “Willie Walsh is arguably one of the most high profile speakers we’ve had on the series and he’s said that he would like the event to be as interactive as possible with about 30 minutes of Q&A – so I expect it will be a candid and interesting discussion. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our MBA students especially to hear from one of the world’s top business leaders and a unique chance for our alumni, business associates and visitors.
“It’s a privilege for us to host Willie Walsh at the Business School and he wouldn’t be coming here if it wasn’t for one of our Executive MBAs who works with him at International Airlines Group and encouraged him to come, which we’re very grateful for.”
Not everyone’s cup of tea
Dr John Colley, Director of MBA programmes at Nottingham University Business School, said: “Willie Walsh has a clear vision of where IAG is going and communicates extensively, which is why he is here talking to us. He removes barriers preventing progress and has clear values – although he’s not everyone's cup of tea. He is a highly visible leader who leads by example. BA will be a very different place when he leaves compared to a few years ago. He will achieve a cultural shift and consolidate major changes in mindset.
“He is highly driven and does not flinch from conflict. Some may take the view that conflict is best avoided but I know with very strong unions that can be difficult.”
High profile speakers
Other speakers in the Business Leaders Series scheduled for next year include Korneel Koster, Director of Safety and Operations at Virgin Atlantic, on February 11 2013, fashion designer Sir Paul Smith on March 20 2013, Mark Ovenden, Managing Director of Ford UK, on May 1 2013, and Dr Peter Poon, Chief Executive Office of Romax Technologies.
Dr Taylor said: “I started the Business Leaders Series about five years ago, at first so that our MBA students had a chance to hear about the careers and experiences of top business people. The events have now developed into an established series of exclusive talks by high profile business leaders that offer an opportunity for people from business and industry.
“These events are a great opportunity for business people from the region and beyond to hear from people that they otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to – as well as providing an important addition to our MBA programme.”
The event on Monday 3 December is fully book but to book a place at any of next year’s events, email Daniel Johnson of Nottingham University Business School, via Daniel.johnson@nottingham.ac.uk.
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