Dr Robinson will focus on championing diversity and inclusion at Cass Business School
Published (Updated )
Cass Business School is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Sionade Robinson as Associate Dean for People and Culture. Dr Robinson will focus on championing diversity and inclusion and fostering a welcoming, collaborative and sustainable culture at Cass.
Dr Robinson, a former management consultant, joined Cass in 2010 from industry and after several years working in various roles with the School with the Full Time MBA and Executive Education. She has an established record as a senior leader including as the Associate Dean for the MBA Programmes where she devised and launched several curriculum innovations as well as the Cass MBA London Symposium – an innovative and immersive elective which is now an essential component of the MBA Programme.
Dr Sionade Robinson
The Symposium studies the sectors which underpin London’s profile as a leading global city as well as its thought leadership, extraordinary heritage, its original brands and, of course, its talented people. Its objectives are to build and extend the reputation of the School, demonstrate its corporate network and reach and, for student participants, deliver a unique “backstage pass” to leaders of global or rising businesses. The Symposium brings together over 150 students from all Cass MBA cohorts, as well as MBA teams from partner schools who join us from South Africa and Europe over a four-day programme.
Dr Robinson’s research at Cass focuses on leadership development, with a special focus on encouraging leaders to develop an Explorer’s Mindset. She developed this initiative - which encourages students to develop an Explorer's Mindset during their MBA as an asset in employability and responsible and ethical leadership - while Associate Dean for the MBA Programmes.
She was appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society last year on the strength of this work and also co-founded the Cass Expeditionary Society to provide alumni and students with unique leadership development opportunities. In fact, her recent research into the archives of the RGS inspired her to seek the role of Associate Dean of People and Culture because there are so many instances in exploration history where the perspective of sponsoring institutions meant important contributions, particularly, from women and indigenous peoples, went unacknowledged.
Professor Paolo Volpin, Interim Dean of Cass Business School, said he welcomed Dr Robinson’s appointment.
“I am delighted that Sionade will be taking on this crucial role which plays a huge part in the life of the School. She is a visionary leader with a strong understanding of the School and our students, staff and partners.
“Thanks to Sionade, the Symposium has become the flagship MBA elective, providing students with excellent networking opportunities, enhanced career development and the opportunity to meet - and learn from - global business figures at the heart of the City.
“She will bring the same energy, drive and commitment to her new role and I look forward to working with her. I would also like to thank Professor Stefan Haefliger, our previous Associate Dean for People and Culture who is now heading off on Sabbatical.”
Dr Robinson said she was looking forward starting in her new role.
“One of my first tasks will be completing the Cass application for Athena Swan – the higher education charter that recognises and celebrates good practices towards the advancement of gender equality. I will be involved in the City, University of London application for the Race Equality Charter and I’m also looking forward to leading this year’s MBA London Symposium with the theme '2020 Visions' for the seventh year.”