Lancaster University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Claire Leitch as Executive Dean of Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).

Professor Leitch became Interim Executive Dean of LUMS in November 2021, taking over the reins from Professor Angus Laing who moved to a new role within Lancaster University’s wider Leadership team.

Professor Leitch joined LUMS in 2012 and served as Deputy Dean and Associate Dean in LUMS prior to her recent appointment. Before arriving in Lancaster, she held posts at Queen’s University Management School, Belfast and the University of Ulster.

As an international scholar in gender and leadership in entrepreneurial contexts, currently leading a major EU-project addressing gender inequality in business schools, Professor Leitch was also responsible for leading LUMS’ successful Athena Swan submission, awarded in May 2021.

Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University, Professor Andy Schofield, said: “I am delighted that Professor Leitch is to take up the role of Executive Dean of LUMS with immediate effect.

“Claire’s vision for the School builds on the success of Professor Angus Laing, and the long heritage of LUMS, and I am confident she will take the School forward to achieve greater success still. I look forward to welcoming her as a member of the University Executive Board.”

Professor Leitch said: “It is an honour to be appointed Dean of such a highly regarded international business school.

“During my time in LUMS I have been truly impressed by the passion and dedication of our staff and scholars, and the calibre of our exceptional students. LUMS’ community is what sets it apart from the rest - and I look forward to drawing on the breadth and depth of LUMS’ talent to realise our ambitious vision for the School’s future.”