Mark Gregory joins Staffs Uni as Visiting Professor

One of the UK’s leading economists is taking up the role of Visiting Professor at Staffordshire University.

Business economist Mark Gregory has over 30 years’ experience in more than 40 countries as an advisor to Governments and industry. He recently retired after spending ten years as Ernst & Young’s Chief Economist and has previously held roles at global organisations including IBM and PwC.

Mark grew up in Brown Edge in the Staffordshire Moorlands before attending the University of Manchester where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Business Economics.

In his new role Mark will support economic development, growth and regeneration in North Staffordshire and hopes to play an active role in engaging businesses and students.

Mark said: “I’m really looking forward to taking on this role at Staffordshire University, especially with its commitment to being a Civic University. It means a lot to have the chance to give back to my hometown.

“More than anything I want to be a link between business and academia drawing on my network and experience. There is a lot of talk about ‘levelling up’, so understanding what that might mean for the area and how the University can help is important. In particular, engaging with businesses in the region to help them understand the economic and policy environment and how they can benefit their own businesses and the community.”

He added: “I’m excited that the University has a focus on sustainability, poverty, digital and health. This provides students with some unique skills and I want to help them unpick the job market to understand which businesses might be interested in what they have to offer.”

Mark’s connections led to him being named LinkedIn ‘Top UK Voice’ in 2016, 2017 and 2018 which recognises individuals whose words have launched countless high-quality conversations locally, and globally.

Alongside his new post, Mark will continue to be a member of the UK Government’s Investment Trade Advisory Group and is actively involved with the Made in Stoke-on-Trent Network. Mark is also a lifelong Stoke City FC fan and recently authored the book ‘More than a Game’ which looks at the current financial problems facing the English game.

Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Designate, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have Mark on board. As a Civic University we not only want to transform the lives of our students but also to make a positive impact across the community, helping to regenerate the region by creating jobs and providing skills for the future. Mark’s experience, knowledge and global connections will be invaluable in helping us achieve this and furthering our vision to be a leader in enterprise education.” 

Amy Platts

Media Communications Officer

t: 01782 292702

m: 07799 341911

e: amy.platts@staffs.ac.uk

Staffordshire University is the Connected University; connected to the needs of students, academic partners, business and society. Our main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent features excellent learning and teaching facilities and good transport links. We have specialist Centres of Excellence in Healthcare Education at Stafford and Shrewsbury.  

We were recognised with a Gold award in the 2019 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students.  

We were shortlisted for University of the Year at the THE Awards 2020 and were named ‘Midlands University of the Year’ at the Midlands Business Awards 2020. 
 
Staffordshire University has signed up to the Civic University Agreement, pledging to play a leading role in improving the regional economy and enhancing quality of life in local communities. We were recognised in the top 15 for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. We aim to be a leading university for digital technologies building on our proud computing heritage and in 2019 launched Staffordshire University London’s Digital Institute which is committed to preparing students for careers in new and emerging tech industries. 

We are a Top 250 Young University (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020) and are connected globally, with more than 11,000 people studying Staffordshire University degrees overseas.