Nigerian-born academic Professor Christian Harrison has been elected as the next Chair of the British Academy of Management (BAM), becoming the first Black person to lead the organisation in its 40-year history.
The leadership appointment marks another milestone for Nigerian excellence on the global stage, highlighting the growing influence of African scholars in shaping international research, education and policy. Harrison, who is Professor of Leadership and Enterprise and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment at the University of Greater Manchester, will officially assume office in January 2027.
As the UK’s leading learned society for management research, education and practice, the British Academy of Management supports thousands of academics, educators, doctoral researchers and practitioners across the United Kingdom and beyond.
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A Landmark Moment for African Scholarship
Professor Harrison’s election represents more than a personal achievement. It is a significant moment for diversity and representation within global academia and reinforces the increasing recognition of African expertise in leadership and management research.
A member of BAM for over 14 years, Professor Harrison has played several influential roles within the Academy. He currently serves as Co-Vice Chair of Communities, where he has overseen the growth of Special Interest Groups, scholarly communities and professional development programmes.
He also chaired the Leadership and Leadership Development Special Interest Group, helping transform it into one of the Academy’s most active communities. In addition, he co-founded BAM’s African Studies Track, creating an important platform to showcase African scholarship within the management discipline.
His longstanding contributions earned him the prestigious BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities, recognising his service to the organisation and its members.
A Vision Focused on Collaboration and Inclusion
Reacting to his election, Professor Harrison described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.
He thanked members of the Academy for their confidence and reaffirmed his commitment to serving with integrity, collaboration and purpose.
Reflecting on his journey from Nigeria to one of the UK’s most influential academic leadership positions, Harrison said the appointment demonstrates that excellence and leadership know no geographical boundaries.
He also expressed hope that the milestone would encourage scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue leadership opportunities within academia and contribute actively to shaping the future of research and education.
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Looking Ahead to a New Chapter
When Professor Harrison assumes office in January 2027, he will become only the 19th Chair in the Academy’s history.
His priorities include strengthening international collaborations, supporting the next generation of management scholars, expanding member engagement and promoting research that addresses today’s biggest global challenges, including artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship, responsible leadership, organisational transformation and the future of work.
His appointment also strengthens the University of Greater Manchester’s growing reputation for research excellence and international engagement, while providing another example of Nigerian talent making a lasting impact on the global stage.
As more Nigerians continue to break barriers across education, science, technology and leadership, Professor Harrison’s achievement serves as another reminder that African expertise continues to shape conversations far beyond the continent.
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