A Historic Milestone for Global Management Scholarship

Professor Christian Harrison, a Professor of Leadership and Enterprise and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment at the University of Greater Manchester, has been elected as the next Chair of the British Academy of Management (BAM). This election marks a landmark moment in the Academy's 40-year history, as Harrison becomes the first Black person to hold the prestigious position.

As the UK's leading learned society for management research, education, and practice, BAM influences policy and supports thousands of academics and practitioners globally. Professor Harrison is scheduled to formally assume office in January 2027, leading the organization into its next chapter following its 40th-anniversary celebrations. For the Nigerian-born professor, the appointment represents a significant achievement for African scholarship and underscores the increasing global recognition of African academic leadership.

A Legacy of Service and Academic Leadership

A dedicated member of the British Academy of Management for more than fourteen years, Professor Harrison has contributed extensively through various strategic roles. He currently serves as Co-Vice Chair of Communities, overseeing the growth of Special Interest Groups and scholarly tracks. Under his tenure, the Academy has seen unprecedented engagement and the establishment of new professional development programs.

Beyond his current role, Harrison previously chaired the Leadership and Leadership Development Special Interest Group and co-founded BAM’s African Studies Track. This platform was specifically designed to advance African scholarship within the management discipline. His sustained commitment to the academic community was previously recognized with the BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities.

Vision for an Inclusive and Connected Future

Reflecting on his election, Professor Harrison emphasized that his leadership would focus on collaboration and breaking boundaries. He expressed a desire to inspire scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to aspire to leadership roles within the international academic community.

I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been elected Chair of the British Academy of Management. BAM has been my academic home for over fourteen years, and throughout that time I have been privileged to work alongside exceptional colleagues who are passionate about advancing management research, education, and practice. As someone whose academic journey began in Nigeria, this appointment is particularly meaningful. I hope it demonstrates that excellence, commitment, and service know no boundaries and that our learned societies are strengthened when they reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

— Professor Christian Harrison, Professor of Leadership and Enterprise, University of Greater Manchester

His strategic priorities for BAM include strengthening the Academy's global influence, supporting academic career development, and embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion across all operations. He also plans to expand international collaborations to ensure management research remains relevant to policymakers and industry leaders.

Addressing Modern Organizational Challenges

Under Professor Harrison’s leadership, the Academy is expected to deepen its focus on the major challenges facing modern society. This includes championing research into responsible leadership, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. By creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, the Academy aims to deliver research that makes a tangible difference to organizations and public policy.

As the nineteenth Chair in the history of the British Academy of Management, Harrison’s term is viewed as a bridge between the Academy’s legacy and a future defined by innovation and global impact. His appointment also bolsters the reputation of the University of Greater Manchester as a hub for research excellence and inclusive leadership on the international stage.