Published on 18/11/2021
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Rupert Soames
  • Rupert Soames has been appointed as visiting professor in the College of Business and Social Sciences
  • He has been Group Chief Executive of Serco since 2014
  • Appointment will give Aston University students an insight into the workings of capital markets and managing large international businesses.

Rupert Soames has been appointed as a visiting professor at Aston University.

The Serco Group Chief Executive will join the College of Business and Social Science in recognition of his contribution to business.  

Over a 40-year career, Rupert Soames has worked in public services, engineering, manufacturing, software, telecommunications, and equipment rental.

His forte is running large international businesses and there are few countries he has not done business in. Serco currently employs over 60,000 people worldwide.

Rupert Soames, CEO of Serco Group, said:

“I am really excited about joining Aston University as a visiting professor.

“I hope to have the opportunity to share experiences of management, leadership and strategy with some of the most able and talented young people in the country, amongst whom will be many future business leaders.”

Professor George Feiger, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:

“This well-deserved award recognises the distinguished contribution that Rupert Soames has made and continues to make to the business community at home and globally.

“We are privileged to have a business practitioner of Rupert's stature join our Faculty.

“For the last 7 years as CEO of Serco, he has led the company’s turnaround from heavy losses into profitability, a growing order book and a strong balance sheet.

“He has long experience of being CEO of public companies and brings insight into the workings of capital markets which will prove extremely valuable to our staff and students alike.”

Professor Helen E Higson, associate dean accreditations at Aston Business School, said:

“I am looking forward to welcoming Rupert to Aston Business School to share his insights with students in order to bring their studies alive and help make them the most employable global citizenships. 

“He will be a great asset, bringing with him his mentoring and advice-sharing capabilities for staff and students.”

Notes to Editors

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)744691 0063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk

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About Serco

Serco is a leading provider of public services. Our customers are governments or others operating in the public sector. We gain scale, expertise and diversification by operating internationally across five sectors and four geographies: Defence, Justice & Immigration, Transport, Health and Citizen Services, delivered in UK & Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. More information can be found at www.serco.com

 

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