Lucian Hudson, Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications, Durham University, has been appointed as a Professor in Practice at our Business School.
Lucian, who joined the University in 2020, has to date a 40-year career in communications and leadership, spanning media, government, business, higher education and civil society.
Professor in Practice appointments, overseen by the University Provost, are given to high-achieving, non-academic professionals who are invited voluntarily to share their knowledge with students through special lectures, presentations and seminars.
Catherine Cassell, Executive Dean of the Business School, said: “We are delighted that that Lucian Hudson is joining the Business School as a Professor of Practice.
“Lucian brings an exceptional wealth of experience in leadership and communication that will enhance our already considerable expertise in this field.
“We are excited to be working with Lucian and the positive impact his contribution will make across our education, research and external engagement practice.”
Lucian will continue to lead the University’s Advancement activities, overseeing marketing, communications and development to further Durham’s global reputation and influence.
A son of Polish parents who came to the U.K. after World War Two, Lucian graduated from the University of Oxford with an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
He complemented his learning with executive education programmes at London Business School, Saïd Business School, Civil Service College and Cranfield School of Management.
In his early career he was a pioneering journalist and television executive at the forefront of developing 24-hour breaking news coverage.
He worked for both ITV and the BBC where he established commercial joint venture channels with international broadcasters.
Lucian was a senior civil servant in the U.K. Government, leading communications and marketing in several high-profile departments including Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice and DEFRA.
He supported summits and ministerial meetings as the U.K. Government’s chief spokesman, engaging with international media and multiple stakeholders.
Lucian has extensive experience of international and national decision-making, business transformation and crisis management.
He is also an experienced board chair and currently holds chair roles including at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations and Earthwatch Europe.
Lucian spent seven years as Director of Communications at The Open University.
He joined Durham after serving as Interim Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the University of Oxford where he led strategic change, overseeing integrated communications across multi-disciplinary teams.
Lucian will be a Professor in Practice (Leadership and Organisations) with the Department of Management and Marketing in Business School.
His appointment will initially run for three years and will see him contribute his time and expertise at our Centre for Leadership and Followership and Centre for Organisations and Society.
Lucian will contribute to the school's teaching agenda in the areas of human resource management, employment relations, leadership, strategic policy, marketing and communications.
Commenting on his Professor in Practice appointment, Lucian Hudson said: “I am thrilled and honoured to take up this exciting role in topic areas that continue to fascinate and challenge us at a time of change and uncertainty.
“I very much look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with academic colleagues and business students, engaging with my wider professional networks.
“I will draw on case examples and experience of strategic communications and corporate leadership in public, private, civil society and higher education sectors. I hope that this work will stimulate reflection and learning, contributing to the world-class student experience at Durham University.”
/prod01/channel_3/business/media/durham-university-business-school/study/dba/DBA.png)