Goldman Professor
Leading digital entrepreneur appointed to Business School
Published on: 26 February 2019
Digital media entrepreneur Herb Kim has been appointed as this year’s David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Newcastle University Business School.
Pivotal figure
Herb, pictured right, is best known as founder of the long-running Thinking Digital conference, which takes place each year in Gateshead and has become a fixture of the UK’s digital technology calendar. He also hosts regular TEDx events across the North of England which have been attended by thousands of people.
The Brooklyn-born Princeton graduate has been described as a pivotal figure in the UK technology scene outside of London and is credited with playing an important role in connecting regional digital businesses in the UK with the US.
In 2010, the Guardian included Herb as part of the MediaGuardian Top 100 list of news-makers and influencers. And in 2011, Wired Magazine named him as part of the Wired 100.
A long-time supporter of the digital industries across the North East and Northern England, Herb has a strong track record of working with a wide range of partners including universities, entrepreneurs, technology companies and investors in the creation and development of digital businesses.
As Goldman Professor, he will work to extend and embed networks between the Business School community and the technology sector in the North to encourage innovation and enterprise, and support the Business School’s “Future of Work and Leading on Leadership” strategic focus.
He will also work closely with staff and students to help them better understand the “soft power” of leadership and innovation skills.
Herb said:“As a graduate of a US Business School, it’s a massive honour to be asked to be the David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Newcastle University Business School. Over the years, Newcastle University has been a huge contributor to my work so I look forward to being able to contribute back during my tenure.”
Inspire and motivate
Herb is the 16th Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Enterprise. The appointment is made on an annual basis to a leading entrepreneur or influential figure from the North East who can inspire and motivate future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The position was established in 2001 to commemorate the life and work of David Goldman, founder and Chief Executive of the North East’s iconic software company, the Sage Group plc. In addition to the Visiting Professorship, the Goldman endowment funds a Chair in the Business School, six David Goldman Doctoral Studentships, and the annual David Goldman Lecture.
Herb’s tenure as Goldman Professor will begin with the annual David Goldman lecture. This will take place on 5 March and will cover “Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Leadership & TED Talks”.
Professor Sharon Mavin, Director of Newcastle University Business School, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Herb to the Business School as this year’s Goldman Professor.
“Herb will work with us on our vision for the Future of Work, Leading on Leadership and embed the School’s Global Graduate Attributes which recognise the value of combining research-led education, technology and the “soft power” of leadership and innovation skills.
“Technology and effective communication can unlock ideas and shape innovative solutions to help organisations prepare for how work and workplaces are changing. This is a huge part of what the Thinking Digital conference is about, and its phenomenal success is down to Herb’s vision and energy. I’m looking forward to Herb sharing his insights and experience with students and inspiring them to become future entrepreneurs and innovators.”
The annual David Goldman lecture will take place at 5.30pm on 5 March at Newcastle University Business School followed by opportunities for networking. The event is free and open to all, but places must be booked in advance.
