The University of Nottingham today announced the appointment of leading figures as new members to its Council, the body that helps to steer the strategy for one of the most successful universities in the country.
Piyali Mitra is a Managing Director in Group Technology at Barclays. She joined Barclays in 2016 as Director, Group Strategy and is currently responsible for enabling cross-functional collaboration and agile delivery for the bank’s growth initiatives.
Raised in Mumbai, India, Piyali is a qualified Chartered Accountant, and has worked across three continents in investment banking, corporate finance and strategy. Piyali is an advocate for nurturing diversity of people, thought and experience in the workplace and believes that it is a business imperative for any organisation to aim for a diversified workforce which accurately represents the societies which they serve.
“I am thrilled to be involved with a university of the calibre of Nottingham and I am especially looking forward to using my experience and skills honed in global financial services to influence key decisions and strategy at the Council, that ultimately will shape the future of our societies.” Piyali Mitra, Managing Director in Group Technology, Barclays
Stephen Odell was a senior automotive executive for 38 years, leading significant divisions of the Ford Motor Company, including partly-owned subsidiaries. He has lived and worked in countries around the world, including appointments as the Senior Managing Director for Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan and as CEO of Volvo Cars in Gothenburg. He established and acted as Joint Chairman of Ford operations in Russia, whilst also sitting as Vice Chair for a large joint venture in Turkey.
Stephen was President of Ford Europe and Middle East, leading a major restructuring to return the division to profitability. Prior to his retirement, Stephen was an Executive Vice President of the Ford Motor Company, responsible for the company’s global sales, marketing and service operations. Stephen currently serves as Chairman of Accsys Technologies plc and has been elected to the Board of EVRAZ, a FTSE 100 company.
Stephen commented on his appointment saying: “I am really excited about the opportunity to join the Council at Nottingham, and bring a wide range of experience from previous Council appointments at Cranfield University, specialising in science, engineering, technology and management, and Dillard University, a historically Black university located in New Orleans, specialising in the liberal arts.”
“I believe the timing is perfect to continue to grow collaboration between academic institutions, business organisations and governments to deliver a better world and positive change for those who live in it.” Stephen Odell, Chairman of Accsys Technologies plc
University Council is a key component of the University’s governance structure, critiquing, debating and ratifying decisions which shape the future of the University. Council plays a critical role in influencing strategy, scrutinising decisions and supporting the work of the University’s Executive Board.
Members of Council are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds. Members include senior managers and academics from the University, external members including University alumni, leading local, national and international business figures and representatives from the University’s vibrant student body.
“Our new members bring a wealth of expertise across a range of international, business, finance and technology themes, and I am sure that their appointments will further enhance and support the work of the Council as the University progresses into the next decade.” Professor Sir Keith O’Nions, Council Chair