Gustavson school lands respected researcher

Roy Suddaby, one of the world’s most influential researchers in business and economics, has joined the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business as the Francis G. Winspear Chair.

Suddaby was named last year to the Thompson Reuters group of academics who rank in the top one per cent of citations in their field. His previous role was with the University of Alberta, where he was a professor of strategic management and organization.

Suddaby joins Gustavson as it launches its 25th-birthday celebrations in 2015. Joining a young business school committed to creating global citizens, while focusing on entrepreneurship, international business and service management, is a “dream come true” for Suddaby.

“The extent of Gustavson School’s international network, paired with its commitment to sustainability, social entrepreneurship and research that is truly relevant to the changing needs for global businesses today is a perfect fit for my work,” said Suddaby. “I am bringing my passion for teaching and academic research that is influential and accessible, and I look forward to championing the research that is being accomplished by [Gustavson dean] Saul [Klein] and his team.”

Suddaby is the outgoing editor of the Academy of Management Review, one of the most influential academic journals in North America. He has also won numerous awards for his research papers and been recognized as professor of the year multiple times, including being named among the best business teachers in the U.S. by Business Week magazine.

Suddaby’s current research focuses on organizational change and the intersection between business and society.

The Winspear Chair at UVic was established through a donation by philanthropist Francis G. Winspear, Edmonton businessman and academic.