º£½ÇÖ±²¥

New perspective from Business Dean

Alastair Thomson is the new Dean of the University of º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Business School. He comes to the post with an entirely fresh perspective, as his previous roles include working as the Divisional Managing Director of a FTSE100 business, and actually setting up his own company. Alastair’s post as Dean is his first in higher education.

Alastair, 45, lives in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and is originally from Glasgow. After graduating with a law degree from the University of Strathclyde, he worked for seven years as a City accountant for an international commodity trading firm. His later posts included:

• Managing Director for Jowetts Ltd in Leeds, a print, packaging and direct mail printer and mailing house subsidiary of a FTSE250 PLC
• Managing Director of Loop Customer Management Ltd, a key business within Kelda Group PLC, the owners of Yorkshire Water, a FTSE100 business
• Chair of Servicemark (UK) Ltd, a specialist customer service certification business.

Alastair said: ‘One of the proudest moments in my business career was during my time as MD for Loop Customer Management. The company was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 100 Places to Work in the UK, for three consecutive years.’

In 2004 Alastair set up his own company, Mint Services Ltd, a niche training and consulting business. Alastair is also Tees Valley Branch Chair of the Institute of Directors.

He said: ‘My experience has given me the perspective of someone who has worked at managing director level, of both large and smaller UK businesses. I also have run my own business; it’s difficult to imagine what it’s like to do this unless you have actually done so. I can bring this huge spectrum of experience into the leadership of the University’s Business School. I think it makes a difference coming from the angle of a practitioner.

‘I’m also looking forward to working with the different subject experts within the Business School. One of my immediate aims is to make the School more relevant to the needs of local business, of all sizes. I believe we have a big part to play in helping the regeneration of the Tees Valley. I’ve seen at first-hand the regeneration of both Glasgow and Leeds and see the same potential for growth in places like Middlesbrough and Stockton.’

Away from work, Alastair is married to Helen and they have two young children. He is a keen music fan, with a wide range of tastes.

---