International business expertise to drive Salford's Abu Dhabi Vision

[UAE, November 11, 2014] - The University of Salford has brought together some of the United Arab Emirates’  (UAE) leading minds in business, media, education and the third sector to be part of its international UAE Advisory Board (UAE-AB).

The Advisory Board was launched recently during its inaugural meeting. The board will provide advice and guidance supporting the University’s work in Abu Dhabi and the wider region. The combined expertise of the board will help to support and develop the University’s long-term strategy and help Salford better understand the local needs and priorities.

The board will be made up of up to 20 senior Emirati and international representatives with expert knowledge in one or more of the University’s priority areas, which coincide with that of the Abu Dhabi 2030 Economic Vision. These areas include learning and teaching, research, enterprise, economic and social impact. Currently there are 14 members.

UAE-AB will be chaired by Dr Alaa Garad, Director of the Emirates Centre for Organisational Learning and CEO of Investors in People UAE (ECOL). Like many on the board, Dr Garad is a University of Salford Alumnus, after obtaining his PhD in Organisational Learning from the University. The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Martin Hall, and Pro Vice Chancellor (International Priorities), Professor Amanda Broderick, will be vice chairs.

The additional members are:
•Talal Al Aufy, CEO, Oman Trading International
•Dr Ahmed Al Jarwan, General Manager, Etisalat Real Estate
•Rafi Baghdjian, COO, Shell Abu Dhabi
•Paul Baker, Regional Finance Director (CAMEAT), Compass Group PLC
•Paul Maddison, Partner & UAE Head of Client Service (Cost & Commercial Management), EC Harris International Ltd
•Jan Bladen, Executive Adviser and Programme Leader at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM);
•Bob Hope, Chief Executive Officer, SSH
•Mark Jessel, Director, British Council UAE
•Mark Rix, Chief Executive Officer, Associated Newspapers (7 Days in UAE)
•Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director (Arab Region), APCO Worldwide
•Clare Woodcraft-Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Foundation for Youth Development

Associated Newspapers CEO, Mark Rix, said: "Having gained an MBA from the University of Salford it was naturally exciting for me to be invited to join the UAE Advisory Board.

“The expansion of the University in the Middle East is a very positive development which presents outstanding opportunities for students from the region to further their education within a world class institution.  The wider possibilities for public and private sector collaboration with the university are considerable and this is of equal interest.  The long term effect of Salford University’s investment in this region lies in the positive contribution to the development of a knowledgeable and competitive economy.”

Shell Abu Dahbi COO, Rafi Baghdjian, added: “It is great that the University has set up an Advisory Board to support its efforts to better serve the UAE. I am honoured to be a member and looking forward to working with my fellow members who have a diverse working background and skillset which, I am sure, will lead to rich discussions and outcomes.”