Former CEO of Unilever appointed Chair of Business School Advisory Board

Alan Jope joins Imperial as Chair of the Business School Advisory Board, bringing global experience in leadership, innovation and sustainability.

Mr Jope brings over three decades of international business leadership experience, having served as CEO of Unilever from 2019 to 2023 following a global career across the UK, North America and Asia. He currently sits on the Boards of Accenture and the Leverhulme Trust, and serves as Commissioner on the Global Commission on Modern Slavery. A University of Edinburgh graduate, he is also a Visiting Fellow at Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

Looking ahead at his time at Imperial, Mr Jope said: “It is a privilege to chair the Advisory Board of Imperial Business School at a time when business and education face transformative global challenges. Imperial’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation and purpose-led leadership provides an extraordinary foundation for shaping the future of sustainable, inclusive growth.” 

The 14-member Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and insight to the School and its leadership, ensuring Imperial remains at the forefront of global business education and research. Members represent a range of sectors and regions, offering perspectives that bridge academia, policy and practice. 

Professor Peter Todd, Dean of Imperial Business School, said: “Alan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Business School, as we continue to strengthen our connections with global industry and advance our mission to combine business, technology and an entrepreneurial mindset for the benefit of society. Alongside our other new members, the Advisory Board brings exceptional expertise and diversity of thought to help guide our strategic priorities.” 

New Advisory Board members

In addition to Mr Jope’s appointment as Chair, the Business School has welcomed three new members to its Advisory Board: Omar Mir and Mahnaz Safa, as well as Ansumana Bai-Marrow, who joins the Board in his role as the newly appointed Chair of the School’s Alumni Advisory Council. These distinguished global leaders bring expertise in AI, finance and sustainability to guide the School’s strategic direction. 

Omar Mir is an International Board Member at World Wide Technology, where he has led the company’s global expansion. He is a leading figure in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. He is also the King's Trust International Advisor on AI and Advanced Technology, Principal Benefactor and Founding Principal of their Campaign ‘Generation Potential’.

Mr Mir said: “As a practitioner of AI and a leading enabler of business impact, I’m honoured to contribute to the globally number two ranked university committed to accelerating AI’s progress. Anchored in best-in-class business practice, we will translate research and innovation into execution and deliver positive, human-centred impact worldwide.”

Dr Mahnaz Safa is a senior finance executive with leadership roles at UBS, Citi and ANZ. She is currently a Non-Executive Director at UK Government Investments and previously served on the Imperial College Council, where she was Champion for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

Ansumana Bai-Marrow is a compliance executive with two decades working at firms such as BlackRock, TPG and Polus Capital. He is the UK Head of Compliance at Permira Credit and serves as Chair of the Business School’s Alumni Advisory Council.