- Rob Hornby has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow and Senior Advisor for Digital Technologies
- The honorary appointment will contribute to the delivery of the Aston University strategy and the external advisory board in digital technologies
- He will support the University’s key strategic activities in digital innovation.
Aston University is pleased to announce the appointment of a recognised expert in business disruption and emerging digital technologies to the honorary role of Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow and Senior Advisor in Digital Technologies.
Rob Hornby is the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region head at global consulting firm AlixPartners. His career spans technology start-ups, FTSE 100 corporates and global consultancies, with extensive industry experience in both media and fintech.
Former global leader of the Digital Practice at AlixPartners, Rob has served on several regulated boards and internally on the AlixPartners’ private board.
He is a member of the World Economic Forum Council on the Future of Growth and has recently published an academic paper on the philosophy of generative AI.
Rob holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in management and computer science from Aston University and a postgraduate degree in humanities from Durham University
This honorary appointment will support the delivery of the Aston University 2030 strategy and the University’s endeavours in digital innovation across education, research and engagement.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Hornby to the honorary role of Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow and Senior Advisor for Digital Technologies.
“Rob is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in emerging digital technologies and has been at the forefront of digital transformation in business globally for many years.
“I look forward to working with him and benefiting from his expert advice in support of the ambitions and objectives articulated in the University’s 2030 strategy.”
Speaking of his appointment, Rob Hornby said:
“I began my career as a management and computer science undergraduate at Aston University in 1988 and it is a wonderful honour to be awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Fellowship in Digital Technologies almost 40 years later.
"I owe Aston a deep debt of gratitude then and now.”
- Notes to Editors
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About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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