Cranfield has appointed new Pro-Vice-Chancellors to lead the Faculty of Business and Management and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
The appointments follow changes to the Senior Leadership Team, with Professor Dame Helen Atkinson moving into a part-time advisory role at the University, and Professor Lynette Ryals leaving Cranfield to become Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.
Professor Michael Bourlakis, Director of Research and Director of Supply Chain, Projects and Sustainable Systems, will take up the post of Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Business and Management and lead the School of Management from 1 November.
Professor Bourlakis said: “In the 13 years I’ve been at Cranfield, I have had the privilege of working alongside extremely talented colleagues and witnessing the ambition and energy of our students. Our industry links are second to none, and the global reputation of the School of Management is strong.
“I consider it a great honour to be steering the School through this next chapter as we move towards a merger and the opportunities that this brings.”
Leading the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences is Professor Mark Westwood, who moves into the role from Director of Defence and Security at the University. Previous to this Professor Westwood was Head of Centre for Aeronautics at Cranfield.
Professor Mark Westwood said: “Cranfield represents a really special place for me - I’ve been a customer, collaborator, and five years ago was fortunate enough to join the University as a colleague. Over the last 80 years, our distinctive blend of teaching, research and industry collaboration has created something uniquely special.
“I feel honoured to be invited to lead the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences and I’m excited about what we can achieve together. I look forward to working with colleagues, students, alumni and partners to build on our strengths and shape the next chapter in the Cranfield story."
The interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor roles will lead the Faculties through the merger process with King’s College London, whilst ensuring the continued delivery of growth, and high-quality research and teaching.
"I’m delighted that Mark and Michael are appointed to these important roles,” said Cranfield University Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng. “Both are highly respected colleagues with a deep understanding of Cranfield and the opportunities that lie ahead. They bring continuity of leadership and an ongoing strong proposition for Cranfield’s staff, students and partners.
“I’d also like to sincerely thank Helen and Lynette for their significant contributions to Cranfield. Lynette’s work with industry and regional partners to establish MK:U built on the best of Cranfield to deliver something truly innovative – and I look forward to working together in the future on regional growth and collaboration as she takes up her new role at the University of Buckingham.
“Helen has served Cranfield with commitment and dedication since 2017 and has been instrumental in driving forward several significant projects and collaborations, including our National Flying Laboratory Centre, which gives future engineers an incomparable flight experience, and the Cranfield Future Energy programme. Helen’s expert advice in her new role at Cranfield will be invaluable as we work towards our merger with King’s College London.”
