Former HR Director at Unilever is awarded Professorship

Former HR Director at Unilever is awarded Professorship

A former HR Director from Unilever will become a professor on November 3 in honour of his outstanding contribution to the business world as a writer and international speaker.

Damian Hughes, author of numerous books including Liquid Thinking, Liquid Leadership, Change Catalyst and Change Inspiration, will receive the prestigious accolade from Manchester Metropolitan during a special ceremony at the Business School.

He will then deliver his inaugural lecture as a Professor on ‘Leadership for a Sustainable Future’.

A former Manchester United football coach, Damian was a Human Resource Director for Unilever where he led a turnaround in performance before carrying out similar work in Africa and the US. He now has his own consultancy, LiquidThinker Ltd, and works with companies to successfully introduce change through inspiring and motivating their staff. He is also an experienced sports psychologist and works with members of the GB Rugby League team and Olympic winning boxers.

Damian, from Sale, said: “It is a privilege to be recognised for my teaching and writing about leadership and business. Unbelievable timing, but I will become a professor on the same day that my fourth book comes out – and it’s called Change Inspiration!

“A professorship is a title which many people dream of achieving – and in my case the title is proof that hard work and determination can be just as important as talent.”

In recent years, Damian has delivered business talks, staff conferences and team building for some of the UK’s leading organisations – including: Vodafone, WH Smith, British Gas, John Lewis, Greater Manchester Police, BskyB, and Punch Taverns.

He will present his first lecture as a professor at Theatre One, Geoffrey Manton Building, All Saints Campus, Oxford Road, MMU at 6pm for 6.30pm. Email t.gordon@mmu.ac.ukto reserve a seat.