Salford Business School welcomes new Chair and Industry Advisory Board members 

The Industry Advisory Board is an independent body of experienced professionals brought together on the basis of their expertise to support and advise the School and wider university. Our members come from a diverse mixture of backgrounds, industries, and sectors, ensuring a broad perspective on the skills and knowledge requirements in all types of organisations, from micro businesses and start-ups, SMEs to large entities. Through thought leadership, the sharing of best practice and informed debate, the IAB ensures that the School’s curricula, enterprise and research activity are well aligned to current and future industry needs.  

The new members are: 

Kai Ojo (Chair), CEO of Planisware UK & Ireland. Kai heads up the Diversity and Inclusion team at the Manchester Publicity Association (MPA) and manages the start-up and growth of the UK office for Planisware. Kai’s passion is seeing people be the best version of themselves whilst working collaboratively inter and intra organisations to deliver on joint objectives based on a cohesive set of goals. He works with tech businesses, schools and colleges to increase representation and access for talent from underrepresented backgrounds. Kai is also an alumnus of the University of Salford. 

Helen McHugh, Head of North West Engagement, TalkTalk. Helen’s primary focus is supporting TalkTalk’s local communities, driving diversity and inclusion in the sector and supporting the GMCA in their campaign to tackle digital inequality. 

Denise Graham, Engineering Director of the Technology Infrastructure Team at BNY Mellon. Denise is also a member of the Manchester Site Leadership team with a responsibility for Co-leading the site's People Strategy which incorporates Manchester's vision for attracting, developing and retaining talent. 

Marie Hamilton, Greater Manchester Region Lead, Microsoft. Marie is passionate about social mobility and improving outcomes for all people, regardless of background. She is an active member of Microsoft’s Social Mobility board and in her spare time supports a charity which focuses on encouraging girls to consider careers in cyber. 

Professor Janice Allan, Dean of Salford Business School, said: "Sitting in our last meeting, I felt both humbled and proud to see how this Board has developed over recent years as well as the exceptional expertise sitting around the table. With the new Chair and members enhancing our existing strengths in the digital, tech and finance sectors, we are well placed to ensure that our graduates can capitalise on the opportunities associated with GM’s status as a world-leading digital hub. I would, finally, like to thank all members for their time and commitment in supporting us." 

For more details, please visit our dedicated IAB page:  

https://www.salford.ac.uk/salford-business-school/industry-advisory-board