New Dean appointed for Business School

26 February 2009

BU has unveiled a prestigious academic with an international reputation for excellence as the new Dean of the Business School.

Professor Thomas Lange has been appointed as Dean of BU’s Business School and will take up the position on 1 June.

Currently Professor of Economics and Chair of the Department of Business Economics at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, Professor Lange has already enjoyed a distinguished international academic career.

Professor Lange said: “Bournemouth University’s vision to develop a Business School of truly international standing provides an exciting challenge, and one I fully embrace. Building on existing strengths and expertise, I look forward to working with all colleagues in the Business School and beyond to turn this ambition into a reality”.

Commenting on the appointment BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Curran said: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Lange to Bournemouth University. His outstanding academic pedigree and experience as a senior academic manager make him the ideal choice to lead our revitalised Business School.”

Professor Lange joins BU at an exciting time. The University was the fourth most improved for research quality in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, and 65% of BU’s research in Business and Management Studies was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised.

Staff and postgraduate students, including those participating in the recently launched full-time MBA and MSc in Management, will also soon benefit from a brand new, purpose-built Executive Business Centre located in Bournemouth town centre.

Professor Lange's research has informed the policy work of organisations such as the World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), European Commission and United Nations, as well as local and national governments.

Holding Visiting Professorships and Fellowships at several European universities, his current research interests lie in the areas of Empirical Human Resource Management, Personnel Economics, Employee Relations and the Measurement of the Quality of (Working) Life.