The Dean

Professor Michael Luger is Dean of Manchester Business School. He has led MBS since January 2007, following senior roles at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Quoted in The Financial Times, he explains what attracted him to MBS: "Even from across the Atlantic I understood that innovation was the lifeblood of MBS and the city of Manchester - a perfect match with my academic and professional expertise in technology, innovation and economic development.

"Manchester’s strong history and emphasis on both quality research and practical learning were key factors in my decision to join the School. Applying original thinking to solve business challenges is at the core of what we do, educating business leaders with the skills they need to meet the unprecedented changes we are experiencing across global economic climates."

With six centres in key global business locations, Michael recognised Manchester as a truly international School. His commitment to pioneering new markets saw Michael spearhead the launch of the sixth centre - MBS’ Americas base in Miami - making MBS the first European business school to open a US campus. Read more on the FT.com.

Although Michael has a keen international focus, he also has a strong regional profile ensuring business and the wider regional economy benefit from MBS’ expertise. He chairs Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Forum and serves on the Strategic Advisory Board of the UMIP Premier Fund.

Michael guided MBS through the government’s most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008, which rated MBS as the UK’s leading centre for business research.

In the same year, he established the MBS leadership board, bringing together original thinkers from business and government to help drive forward the school’s strategic development plans. The board includes Manchester City Council chief executive, Sir Howard Bernstein; Tony DeNunzio, chairman of Maxeda and Pets at Home; Felicity Goodey, chair of South Manchester Health Trust and former BBC journalist; Jonathon Warburton, owner of Warburton’s Bakeries; Michael Parker, former head of Dupont and BNFL; Anthony Preston, founder of Pets at Home, together with Bolton Wanderers’ owner and entrepreneur Eddie Davies.

Michael makes regular contributions to international media, his comment regularly features across BBC platforms, Sky News, The Times, The Independent and Financial Times, focusing primarily on business education, innovation and economics.