London School of Business and Finance Faculty
Our people are responsible for creating the ethos of success in which the business leaders of tomorrow thrive.
Comprising highly qualified, seasoned business professionals and academics from around the world, our faculty are dedicated to ensuring students succeed in every endeavour, from gaining chartered accreditation to achieving career enhancing qualifications.
On-hand to support you, they provide invaluable knowledge and insight, acquired from years spent at the highest levels of business and academia.
Academic Management
Our Academic Management is here to direct our vision: to create the business leaders of tomorrow. Through a wealth of experience and achievement, they cultivate an ethos in which you are encouraged, innovated and inspired. They ensure this approach is present across our entire academic faulty, so your career feels the benefits.
Prof. James KirkbrideVice-Rector and Director
Prof. James Kirkbride MPhil, PGCE, PhD
Vice-Rector and Director
James joined LSBF in 2010 as Vice-Rector and Director, bringing with him nearly 30 years of experience. This includes being the founding Dean of the Business and Law Faculty at Liverpool John Moores University. He is also a respected author and Professor of International Business Law, holding a visiting chair at the University of Shanghai.
A widely sought after expert, he has worked for government departments and multinationals like Shell and Halifax. He has also been appointed to key global committees, including the EU-China International Commercial Arbitration Project and the International Advisory Committee of leading Business Schools, such as NIMBAS.
Executive Dean,
Business School
Dr. Ann Thorne
Executive Dean, Business School
As Executive Dean of the Business School and Academic Dean of Development, Anne is responsible for LSBF's academic portfolio of programmes and the development of the school's curricula, ensuring that it meets the needs of the diverse student body.
She is an award-winning management expert, having presented at national and international conferences, with previous professional roles including Director of Operations at one of the UK's largest universities. Anne is also a PH.D in Framework for Effective Management, and has published several books, as well having her articles featured in academic and professional journals.
Academic Dean and
GGSB Programme Director
Roy Butcher MBA
Academic Dean and GGSB Programme Director
Roy Butcher brings more than 30 years of experience in both academia and business to LSBF. As a business consultant, Roy has worked with both private and public sector organisations giving him unparalleled knowledge of conducting business in very different environments.
Roy has been active in academia for more than three decades, both in senior management positions and lecturing roles. He has also developed and delivered educational and training programmes for clients in the UK and abroad. He has taught at postgraduate level and is also experienced in delivering professional level qualifications such as ACCA and CIMA.
Chairman of the Board of Governors
Prof. Alfred Morris CBE, FCA
Chairman of the Board of Governors
Alfred Morris, CBE is a renowned academic and a prominent business leader. He has built on his successful degree studies at Lancaster University by becoming a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Warwick Business School. His educational leadership and experience were soon sought by the University of West England, where he was appointed the first ever Vice-Chancellor.
A dynamic international career has seen Alfred work in a key financial advisory role for Guinness Group and its subsidiaries. He has senior management consultancy experience with Deloitte (one of the Big Four professional services firms) and is a committed supporter of various humanitarian causes – having been patron, chairman or trustee of many voluntary and charitable bodies. He is now the Chairman of the Board of Governors for LSBF.
Professional Courses
Director
Rob Sowerby ACMA
Professional Courses Director
Rob has taught professional and masters courses for over 20 years, in both London and throughout the world. He has gained an excellent reputation for his accessible, entertaining and motivational tuition.
Rob formerly worked in industry as a management accountant and financial analyst, and has been the director of the Professional School for the past four years.
Rob currently teaches ACCA F2, F5, F9 CIMA P3, T4
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Professional Courses
Director
Peter Stewart ACA
Professional Courses Director
Peter has led accountancy training programmes for many years teaching thousands of successful students, including many prize winners. He was voted "Tutor of the Year" by a leading accountancy student magazine in 2005. He has a BSc in Mathematics (Distinction) from Aberdeen University, and, before joining LSBF, was Head of Consulting for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Peter started his career training with the worldwide professional network, BDO Binder Hamlyn. While there, he qualified as a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) and has subsequently earned Fellowship of ACCA.
Peter currently teaches ACCA F2, F5, F9 CIMA P2, F4
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Professional Courses
Director
Robert Wood FCMA FCCA MBA
Professional Courses Director
FCCA and FIMA accredited, Robert brings over 25 years of professional and academic experience to LSBF. Highly qualified by merit of holding a BSc, MBA and PGCE, he has a comprehensive understanding of the business world.
Robert has lectured at financial institutions across the country, holding senior positions such as Deputy Managing Director of ACCA and CIMA courses. Previously Financial Director of a successful manufacturing company, he is a management accountancy expert.
Robert currently teaches ACCA F7, P3 CIMA F2, E3, T4
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CFA Programmes Director
Graham McDonald CFA, CA
CFA Programmes Director
A CFA® charterholder with a degree in Accountancy from Glasgow Caledonian University, Graham brings immense industry and teaching experience to his role as CFA® Programme Director. He has taught all over the world, from London to New York, Singapore to Mumbai, giving him a truly global perspective on business.
Having spent years working in capital markets, accounts, auditing and other areas of business, Graham can offer great insight into many aspects of finance. His expertise was recognised when he became one of the first six members of the ACCA Examinations Review Board.
Visiting Lecturer
The Right Honourable David Blunkett MP
Visiting Lecturer
As a leading figure in three successive UK governments, David Blunkett is a statesman of global standing. He made a lasting impact as Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Education and Employment, and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
An integral part of the then-ruling Labour party, David helped to bring a period of sustained growth to the UK economy. He also played an important role in extending educational opportunities, reducing unemployment and fighting inequality in all its forms. His political legacy is one of progressive reform.
David continues to represent his constituents in Sheffield and is highly active in holding the coalition government to account. He also undertakes vital work related to education, cyber security and charitable causes with a characteristic energy.
As a visiting lecturer at our school, he has given our students a fine example of how far drive and ambition can take you.
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Varaprasad Natarajan, PHD, MEng, DSc, B.Eng Hons
Non-Executive Director
Having spent more than 35 years in management in higher education, Varaprasad has vast experience. He holds a PhD, as well as BEng and MEng degrees, so he understands the importance of learning.
His first position in education was Deputy President of the National University of Singapore. He then worked as Chief Executive of the National Library Board Singapore for 6 years, directing the development of 40 libraries nationwide. Even more notable was his role as founding Principal/CEO of Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore.
Varaprasad's expertise is in great demand within both the business and education sectors, and he applies his knowledge to us in his role as Non-Executive Director at LSBF Singapore.
Academic Advisor
Dr. Tony Dickson PhD
Academic Advisor
Tony's enviable academic background is reflected through an honours degree from the prestigious Goldsmiths' and a PhD from the University of West Scotland. Tony Dickson's career spans 30 years experience in senior posts at major universities, including being a Dean at Glasgow Caledonian, a Dean then Pro-Vice Chancellor and then Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Northumbria University, and the inaugural President of the Raffles University System in Singapore. He has invaluable leadership experience and has written over 30 pioneering publications.
A distinguished international career has seen him successfully implement key projects in the Middle Eastern, Asian and American markets. He has previously held directorial roles at Eliesha Training as well as Business Link Tyne and Wear and is currently the Managing Director of Global Higher Education Consulting, which advises education providers on their international strategies including LSBF.
Head of Research
Dr. Steve Priddy PhD
Head of Research
Steve offers nearly 30 years of top level experience in accountancy and is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA). He also has a PhD from one of the UK's foremost universities, Birkbeck College, as well as being a Chartered Manager of the Chartered Management Institute.
An industrious career has seen Steve deliver presentations to leading multinationals, as well as the UK and the European Parliaments. His policies as Associate Director at Arup Group generated significant earnings, and he was Director of Technical Policy & Research for ACCA
Dean, Online and Interactive Learning
Andrew Cousins MBA
Dean, Online and Interactive Learning
Andrew is an individual with incredibly diverse and distinguished experience. He first gained a BSc in International Politics and Strategic Studies from Aberystwyth University College of Wales before completing an MBA at University College of Wales Cardiff. These extensive studies gave him a solid foundation on which to build a remarkable career.
He spent a total of seven years working in government in his native Wales, followed by a spell at the British Embassy in Prague. Upon his return to the UK, Andrew was able to hone his leadership skills in roles such as Senior Revenue Officer and Procurement Manager, before becoming a lecturer on the subject of business. As Dean for our Prague campus and our online courses, his business knowledge and experience is indispensable to us.
Dean and Director LCCA
Sagi Hartov MMUS, PGRAM, LRAM, FRAM
Dean and Director LCCA
Following a teaching role at the Junior Royal Academy of Music, Sagi took the position of Cultural Affairs Officer at the Israeli Embassy in London. Since then he has led several successful projects, including the Israeli International Music Competition and the Ernest Bloch Music Competition. An outstanding cellist, he has played around the world and has won several awards for his talents.
Sagi further demonstrated his leadership abilities as Director of an Israeli cultural centre. He is now using his expertise and global links to launch our sister school - the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA).
Chair of LSBF Enterprise and CS
Chokan Laumulin MSc
Chair of LSBF Enterprise and CS
Chokan has an outstanding academic background and earned his BSc degree (with distinction) from Kazakh National University - Kazakhstan's oldest and largest. He then successfully studied for his MSc degree at one of the world's most prestigious universities, London School of Economics. He is also a Senior Executive Fellow of the Central Asian Forum at the University of Cambridge.
As a natural leader, Chokan was one of the leading mass media executives and creators TV channel Astana, Continent magazine and many others. He is an author of a book "Kazakhs: Children of the Steppes", published in the UK and a producer of a Hollywood documentary "Murder by Proxy". Chokan is now chair of LSBF Enterprise and CSR.
Director of Strategic Projects
Huw Flynn Hughes PG Dip
Director of Strategic Projects
Huw has been active in UK Higher Education for 30 years, including at directorial level. Aside from holding a Bachelor's degree and a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Wales, he has developed profitable collaborations with over 150 partners – encompassing 40 countries and nearly 20,000 students.
This distinguished background has led Huw to work with leading organisations and individuals. His work experience has involved liaising with CEO's, Directors, government agencies, senior academics, students and alumni across the globe
Director, Corp. Devt. & Real Estate
Nurmukhamed Bektemissov MBA
Director Corporate Development and Real Estate
Nurmukhamed's postgraduate studies at Harvard Business School and his BSc from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania prepared him for an exciting career at the highest levels of international finance. Having gained invaluable experience at global banking giants such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, he then excelled as Chairman at various institutions in his native Kazakhstan.
He now advises several major companies around the world, and provides LSBF with invaluable guidance on fundraising and corporate management. His leadership ability, organisational skills and knowledge of doing business in diverse cultures are a great asset to us and our students.
Head of Career Services & Employability
Nadim Choudhury MSc
Head of Career Services & Employability
Nadim, Head of Career Services and Employability at LSBF, is not only an expert on social media, but also a respected commentator on MBA courses and graduate employability. He often shares his expertise at large careers events and contributes to national newspapers, including The Guardian, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph.
His many qualifications include an Economics & Social Science undergraduate degree and an MSc in Human Resource Management & Organizational Analysis. He attended the University of Manchester and then King's College, prior to working in Career Coaching, Business Development, Marketing Communications and Business Strategy. Nadim uses his vast experience to play a central role in ensuring we continue to offer students a clear route to career success.
Corporate Business Development Manager
Daniel Celino MCIM, MCMI
Corporate Business Development Manager
Daniel holds some of the world's most respected professional qualifications and has excelled in a wide variety of roles. CIM and CMI qualified, and with more than 14 years' experience in financial services, he has invaluable insight into the modern business world.
He has made important contributions to industry-leading companies such as NatWest and Aviva, where he has provided greatly effective training and recruitment solutions. He is now the Corporate Business Development Manager at LSBF, and uses his contacts and extensive experience to create unique recruitment and training plans for students.
Business Development Director
Nicola Schaefer MA
Business Development Director
Nicola has an impressive track record in mentoring future leaders, and her educational background exemplifies why. She earned her BA in youth Studies and her MA in Teaching and Learning and has held influential positions at successful academic institutions – including Edge Hill University and EAC Language Schools.
Building on the above achievements, Nicola has held a senior managerial position at Premier Inn, the biggest hotel brand in the country. She is a proven entrepreneur and effectively oversaw the establishment of her own business, Atherton's Dairies and Atherton's Development. She also occupied a key business development consultancy position while working for CNS Training.
Head of Studies (Postgraduate)
Naushaba Singh
Head of Studies (Postgraduate)
Naushaba holds a BA in Economics, an MBA (Marketing) and a Research Postgraduate Certificate – her academic training is second to none. She is also currently pursuing doctoral studies on the holistic experiences of international students overseas.
With 23 years lecturing experience at the University of West of London, Naushaba's career has been similarly outstanding. She has worked as an education and training consultant for local government, as well as in the manufacturing sector.
Senior Academic Advisor
QAA REO Facilitator
Professor Nigel Bastin
Senior Academic Advisor
QAA REO Facilitator
An LLB Law graduate, Nigel's extensive legal training has been invaluable to LSBF. He also holds a legal research degree from the internationally recognised University of Leeds. His general positive endeavours have seen him become a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Prior to joining the Bar Council as the first Head of Education and Training, Nigel served on a number of Law Society committees. He also honed his leadership abilities as Head of The School of Law at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Academic Registrar
Sarah Rogers
Academic Registrar
Throughout a career spanning more than 20 years, she has been responsible for admissions, collaboration, academic planning and student administration.
As a specialist in higher education regulations, HEFCE and HESA returns, academic regulations and UCAS entry criteria, she offers invaluable and rare expertise. Sarah has also spoken at a UCAS conference on the subject of international equivalence and is currently academic registrar at LSBF.
Lecturer
Andy Wright
Lecturer
Andy holds an MBA from the internationally recognised University of Warwick and his 10 years' experience as head of a UK business school are invaluable. He is also a Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and has co-authored a study manual on financial management.
As well as spending 25 years in professional finance training, Andy is an independent financial training consultant. He has worked for medium and large corporations, operated a part-time accountancy practice and was President of the ACCA West Midlands Regional Network.
