Surrey Business School welcomes new Executive-in-Residence

Surrey Business School is delighted to welcome Melanie Steel as the Executive-in-Residence for autumn 2024. This role is integral to the school’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic insight and real-world business practices. Executives-in-Residence provide mentorship, share industry expertise, and collaborate with academic staff, students, and school leadership team to bring industry insights into the educational and research experience.

Melanie Steel, Executive-in-Residence 2024 for Surrey Business School

Melanie Steel is a seasoned business leader with a proven track record in transformational change, organisational design, and strategic HR leadership. With over 25 years of experience, Melanie has led complex change initiatives across sectors, including financial services, telecoms, and the public sector. Her approach combines deep expertise in human capital strategy with a passion for fostering inclusive, agile work cultures that adapt to evolving business landscapes.

The Executive-in-Residence programme at Surrey Business School offers a unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand insights from industry leaders like Melanie. As part of this role, she will engage in mentoring sessions, share insights during guest lectures, and support the development of experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, practice-oriented education.

“We are thrilled to have Melanie Steel join us as our Executive-in-Residence. Her deep expertise in change management and people strategy aligns perfectly with our mission to provide transformative learning experiences. I am confident that Melanie’s insights and mentorship will be invaluable to our students and academics alike.”

Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Dean of Surrey Business School

Melanie’s appointment underscores Surrey Business School’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong connections with industry leaders, ensuring that students and staff are equipped with the latest insights and best practices in today’s dynamic business environment.

Dr Constantin Ciachir, Deputy Associate Head of School, External Engagement, stated: “Our Executive-in-Residence, Melanie Steel, has been warmly received by our students, who appreciate her industry insights and personalised mentorship, greatly enriching their learning experience.”

For more information regarding SBS Executive-in-Residence, please contact Dr William Lanham-New, SBS Director of Enterprise, Business Transformation, and Commercialisation.