New dean for university’s management school

Lancaster University has appointed Professor Claire Leitch to the role of executive dean of its management school LUMS.

Prof Leitch became interim executive dean of the school in November 2021, taking over from Prof Angus Laing, who moved to a new role within Lancaster University’s wider leadership team.

Prof Leitch joined LUMS in 2012 and served as deputy dean and associate dean in prior to her recent appointment. Before arriving in Lancaster, she held posts at Queen’s University Management School, Belfast and the University of Ulster.

As an international scholar in gender and leadership in entrepreneurial contexts, currently leading a major EU-project addressing gender inequality in business schools, Prof Leitch was also responsible for leading LUMS’ successful Athena Swan submission, awarded in May 2021.

Vice chancellor of Lancaster University, Prof Andy Schofield, said: “I am delighted that Professor Leitch is to take up the role of executive dean of LUMS with immediate effect.

“Claire’s vision for the school builds on the success of Prof Angus Laing, and the long heritage of LUMS, and I am confident she will take the school forward to achieve greater success still. I look forward to welcoming her as a member of the university executive board.”

Prof Leitch, pictured, said: “It is an honour to be appointed dean of such a highly regarded international business school.

“During my time in LUMS I have been truly impressed by the passion and dedication of our staff and scholars, and the calibre of our exceptional students.

“LUMS’ community is what sets it apart from the rest - and I look forward to drawing on the breadth and depth of LUMS’ talent to realise our ambitious vision for the school’s future.”