The University has appointed a senior academic committed to making a positive impact on society through education, research and influencing policy, to assume the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences. Professor Jane Hendy, who is currently Dean of Brunel Business School at Brunel University, will join our Senior Leadership Team in May.

An active, multidisciplinary researcher with broad experience working across different academic domains and policy landscapes, Professor Hendy is a strong advocate for the role universities can play in boosting the local economy and the significant difference they can make by addressing social, economic and business issues. She regularly works with the Department of Health and has recently provided expert policy advice to the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Open Innovation Unit.

At Brunel, Professor Hendy led the expansion of the Business School, more than doubling its size and income and growing its academic reputation and employability with a core focus on growth, innovation, teaching effectiveness and learner success. She also founded and grew the institution’s centre for business engagement, securing millions of pounds in funding to provide support to west London businesses, helping them to thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

In her new role, Professor Hendy will lead the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences in delivering the University’s strategic ambitions, with a strong focus on growth and innovation.

Professor Hendy said looked forward to bringing her experience to Kingston, particularly in the areas of business engagement and local community and graduate employability.

“I am really impressed by the Town House Strategy’s focus on future skills as it fits perfectly with what I’ve achieved at Brunel and also what I personally believe in. It’s about transforming the Faculty’s students so that they have the skills industry need, alongside the agility and capability to become the next generation of responsible, entrepreneurial leaders.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steven Spier said it was clear that Professor Hendy’s expertise in building strong links with the local business community and her focus on graduate employability were aligned with the ambitions of the Town House Strategy.

“Her experience in successfully expanding Brunel’s Business School, and the tangible impact it has had on the local economy and graduate employability, will be invaluable as we continue to engage with businesses and develop sought-after students with the skills employers need.”