Professor Ken Starkey launches Inaugural Lecture Series at Nottingham University Business School
Nottingham University Business School recently welcomed colleagues, students and guests to the first event in its new Inaugural Lecture Series, featuring Professor Ken Starkey.
Held on Tuesday 9 June 2026 on Jubilee Campus, the lecture, “Stranger in a Strange Land: Reflections on a Business School Career”, marked the launch of a series designed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the school’s professors.
Ken joined the school in 1988, becoming Professor of Management and Organisational Learning. In 2020, he was honoured with the prestigious Richard Whipp Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Academy of Management (BAM).
He is the author of numerous books on management and organisation, including The Business School and the Bottom Line (Cambridge University Press, 2007) with Nick Tiratsoo. He is a consultant on strategic and leadership issues and writes regularly for leading management publications. A recent publication, with Professor Sue Tempest, is ' in Academy of Management Learning and Education, 24(1).
In his lecture, Professor Starkey reflected on a distinguished career in business and management education, offering personal insights into the development of business schools over time. Remarking that with a background in arts and humanities he was the first non-economist to be appointed to the faculty, and drawing on decades of experience, he explored the evolving role of management education, academic leadership, and the opportunities and challenges of working across disciplines, institutions and international contexts.
His talk also provided a broader perspective on the purpose and impact of business schools in addressing contemporary societal and organisational challenges, highlighting the importance of research, teaching and engagement in shaping future practice.
The event brought together a wide audience - including members of the public, business professionals, alumni, students and university staff - reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible discussions on key issues in business and management.
Following the lecture, attendees were invited to continue the conversation over informal refreshments, providing an opportunity to connect with Professor Starkey and fellow guests.
Future lectures
The Business School’s future lectures will celebrate colleagues who have reached professorial level by recognising their contribution to teaching, research and academic leadership. These events also provide a platform to engage external audiences and highlight the school’s role in addressing real world business and societal challenges.
Future lectures in the series will include:
Full details for these events will be shared closer to the time.
Posted on Thursday 25th June 2026