The Chartered ABS is the umbrella organisation for the UK’s business and management education sector, and its membership comprises all staff at each business school in the UK. Through its membership, it supports all the strategic functions of business schools – Deans, learning and teaching, research, internationalisation, enterprise, executive education, EDI, and professional services.

As the voice of the UK’s business schools, it also undertakes lobbying and advocacy, and supports members through professional development, and sector analysis and research.

Commenting on his appointment Professor Robinson said: “It is an honour to Chair the Chartered ABS. The UK’s business schools are one of our nation’s global success stories exporting our business and management education around the world, and in turn strengthening the UK’s soft power and helping to put our world class universities on a sustainable footing.

“In the face of the challenging environment for UK higher education, the Chartered ABS is committed to our priorities to secure the financial sustainability of the UK’s business schools and accelerate small business productivity and growth for the benefit of the UK economy. Through our work and together with our members we seek to ensure that the UK’s business schools can thrive and positively impact business and society as the country goes for growth.”

Stewart has been Dean at Newcastle University Business School since July 2022. In that time, he has led the Business School towards increasing the range of taught courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and delivered improvements to the student experience.

Additionally, during his time as Dean, Newcastle University Business School has started co-hosting the Creative PEC with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).  The £11.5m Centre provides evidence and policy advice to support the creative economy in in the UK and beyond.  

He was previously the Dean of Loughborough University School of Business and Economics, and has held positions at Aston Business School and Warwick Business School. Before joining academia, Stewart started his career in industry as a business analyst and consultant using computer simulation to improve manufacturing and service operations.

Flora Hamilton, Chief Executive of the Chartered ABS said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Stewart Robinson as our new Chair. Under his leadership we look forward to building on and utilising the engagement of our members and our elevated position of influence to support our members through this period of financial instability facing the university sector. We are also grateful to Professor Robert MacIntosh for his unwavering commitment to our mission to support and champion business schools for the benefit of business and society. Our influence has grown significantly during his tenure.”