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University appoints new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement

Press release issued: 17 March 2022

The University of Bristol is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Agnes Nairn to the post of Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement.

Professor Nairn, previously a Professor of Marketing at Bristol, takes up the role immediately and will be responsible for shaping Bristol's global civic agenda and international profile and reputation.

She will also provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s international and internationalisation initiatives, with a particular focus on activities and partnerships of university-wide strategic importance that support and enhance the University's global engagement objectives.

This will include working in partnership with the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise to explore, establish, and develop major research partnerships with universities, government agencies, industry bodies and community organisations globally.

She will also work in partnership with the Pro Vice-Chancellors for Education and Student Experience to facilitate the development of strategic alliances and collaborative agreements with international partners, including articulation, pathways, distance learning programmes, student mobility opportunities and on-campus internationalisation initiatives.

Professor Nairn joined the University of Bristol in 2017, following her tenure as Dean and Executive Director at Hult International Business School in London, from 2015 to 2017. Prior to this she was Professor of Marketing at EMLyon Business School, France, and a freelance academic/policy researcher and consultant from 2006 to 2015.

Since joining us at the University of Bristol, Professor Nairn has been the Faculty International Director in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, representing the University on major delegations to China (2018), India (2018) and Malaysia/Singapore (2019).

Her research examines the relationship between the commercial world and children's wellbeing. She is currently collaborating with colleagues right across the University on the impact of gambling harms, particularly on the young and vulnerable, and has previously worked with international bodies such as EU, UN, UNICEF and UNESCO; charities such as Children's Society, Childnet International and Alana; market research agencies such as GfK and IpsosMORI and corporations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever and Mothercare.

Professor Nairn said: "This is a wonderful time to be taking forward the University of Bristol’s global civic mission and I very much looking forward to working with colleagues across our institution and our city to strengthen Bristol’s international role and standing."

Professor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the University of Bristol, said: "I am delighted with Agnes's appointment to this crucially important leadership role at Bristol. She will be a great addition to our executive team as we seek to strengthen our reputation as one of the world’s most successful global civic universities."

Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: "Agnes brings a wealth of international experience to this important role - spanning student recruitment, education and research partnerships, on-campus internationalisation and global positioning. She will be a wonderful addition to the University’s leadership team."

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