Professor Debbie Keeling

Following an internal recruitment process, Professor Debbie Keeling has been appointed as Interim Dean of the University of Sussex Business School. As previously announced, the current Dean, Professor Steven McGuire, is leaving Sussex to take to take up the role of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Steve’s last day will be Friday 17 May, and Professor Keeling will start her interim role on Monday 20 May.

Professor Keeling, who has been at Sussex for seven years, is currently Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Professor of Marketing in the Business School. She has also been a member of academic staff at Loughborough University and Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester, as well as having run her own successful research company. Debbie will serve in the interim role until a new permanent Executive Dean is appointed. The recruitment process is underway.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Michael Luck said: “I am delighted that Debbie came forward and that we have appointed her to lead the Business School on an interim basis. Debbie’s skills and experience, as well as her leadership and clarity of vision, will be invaluable to the Business School and the University Executive Team.”

Debbie said: “I have greatly benefitted from Steve’s leadership of the Business School, and through his vision the School has grown in reputation, in impact and in ambition. Working with our wonderful staff and students, I am really looking forward to the challenge and opportunity of leading the School over the coming months. This is a dynamic and inspiring time for academia and practice. The School’s heritage and innovation mean we are ideally placed to excel.”