1. You are here:
  2. Homepage
  3. Vote Now: BAM Co-Vice Chairs for Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Vote Now: BAM Co-Vice Chairs for Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

The recent call for nominations for the BAM Vice Chair for Special Interest Groups elections resulted in two nominations being received. The election for the Co-Vice Chairs for Management Knowledge and Education (MKE), Academic Affairs of Conference and Capacity Building (AACCB) and Research and Publications (R&P) each received one eligible nomination and those candidates are duly elected unopposed. 

The election for the BAM SIG portfolio is important as whoever is elected will serve as members of the Executive for the next two years (Jan 2026 - Dec 2027) and will help to shape the Academy’s future.

The deadline for votes to be returned will be Noon (British Summer Time) on Wednesday 21st May.

Please note that canvassing is not permitted.

The Candidates:

Name(s): Professor Christian Harrison and Dr Rebecca Liu

Institution(s): University of Greater Manchester; Lancaster University

Position(s): Professor of Leadership and Enterprise; Senior Lecturer of Marketing and Innovation Management 

We are delighted to put ourselves forward as Co-Vice Chairs of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Together, we bring complementary experiences, shared values, and a deep commitment to the growth, inclusivity, and vibrancy of the BAM community. 

Professor Christian Harrison has been a dedicated BAM member for over 12 years and currently serves as Chair of the Leadership SIG, which has grown remarkably under his leadership to over 900 members. During his tenure on the BAM Council, Christian played a pivotal role in advancing capacity building for Early Career, Mid-Career, and senior academics. He co-leads the Post-Experience Education Sub-Group, organised the BAM Teaching and Learning Conference for two years, and co-founded the African Studies track, which continues to grow in impact and reach. He also helped establish the BAM Education Practice Award, recognising excellence in management education. 

Beyond BAM, Christian is Professor of Leadership and Enterprise and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment at the University of Greater Manchester. He holds editorial positions in leading journals, chairs several learned organisations, and serves on influential higher education committees. A recognised leadership expert, consultant, and author, he is passionate about Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation (EDIR). His initiatives, such as the Aspiring Vice Chancellors Development Programme, champion the progression of academics from the global majority into leadership roles. 

Dr Rebecca Liu (Lancaster University Management School) is a long-standing BAM member who has made substantial contributions to the Academy’s strategic priorities, particularly in sustainability and EDIR. Her involvement in national and international initiatives has helped advance these areas. Her dedication has been recognised through several BAM’s honours, including Outstanding Services, Best Paper, and Highly Commended Education Practice Awards. 

Before entering academia, Rebecca held executive roles in global markets, leading innovative, high-impact initiatives. She serves on editorial boards of leading journals and is an active member of the N8 Research Partnership, the Product Development and Management Association, the Study of Business Markets, and BAM’s Peer Review College. Rebecca’s leadership within BAM, combined with her research in responsible management education and sustainable business practices, brings valuable perspective to this role. 

Together, we are committed to strengthening the SIG community and championing BAM’s core priorities. If elected, our shared vision is to: 

  1. Grow SIG Membership and Engagement 
    We will collaborate with SIG Chairs and members to increase participation, ensuring SIGs remain inclusive, dynamic spaces for scholarly dialogue and development. 

  1. Embed EDIR Across SIG Activities 
    We will promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and representation across SIG initiatives, ensuring every voice is heard, respected, and empowered. 

  1. Support Development Across Career Stages 
    We will enhance capacity-building for researchers at all stages—early, mid, and senior—supporting progression, mentorship, and collaboration. 

With our combined experience in academic leadership, research, and governance, and our commitment to the BAM community, we are excited about the opportunity to serve. We believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference to the future of BAM’s SIGs. We would be honoured to have your support. 

Warm regards, 

Christian and Rebecca 


Name(s): Professor Horace Qile He and Dr Polina Baranova

Institution(s): University of Derby

Position(s): Professor of Performance and Strategy; Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability

As long serving members of BAM, it’s an honoured for us to contribute to the development of BAM as Co-Vice-Chairs—SIG. Professor Horace Qile He is Professor of Strategy and Performance Management and Chair of the College Research Committee, based at the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, University of Derby. Dr Polina Baranova is Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability, Deputy REF lead for UoA17 Business and Management, and DBA Programme Leader at the Derby Business School, University of Derby. 

We will be a dedicated team to serve the BAM community for the following reasons:  

First, we have long engagement with BAM and a joint 20 years of experience serving BAM. Horace started BAM membership since 2005, served as the BAM Inter-organizational Collaboration (IOC) Special Interest Group (SIG) Co-Chair and Conference Track Co-Chair for 6 years in a row since 2013; Horace served in the BAM council (SIG-Subcommittee) since 2020 for 5 years in a row; Horace is also a Fellow of the BAM Peer Review College. Polina started BAM membership since 2006, served as Co-Track Chair for Sustainable and Responsible Business (SRB) SIG since 2018, holds SRB SIG Co-Chair role since 2021, and co-opted to BAM Council in spring 2025. We have made valuable contributions to BAM operations, capacity building, community cohesion and strategies as SIG chairs and council members. 

Second, we will offer our significant leadership experience for the BAM community. Horace has long-term leadership experience for not only with BAM and but also for two of his home institutions as Associate Head of School for Research, Chair of College Research Committee, and Interim University Theme Lead. Polina is leading one of the largest BAM SIGs; her leadership experience includes Chair of the College Research Ethics Committee, DBA Programme Leader and Deputy REF Lead UoA17. 

Third, we have substantial understanding about opportunities/challenges facing BAM. Both Horace and Polina have organized numerous BAM conference tracks and events for either IOC SIG, SRB SIG, joint events with other BAM SIGs and industry partners. We understand that BAM SIGs are one of the most important BAM portfolios which affects the growth, sustainability and impact of BAM. 

Fourth, we will offer our significant experience in research development. Horace has published over 100 articles, proceedings or book chapters; he is the editorial board member for 3 journals; Polina has published over 60 outputs including journal articles, book and book chapters, conference papers, industry reports and policy briefings. 

If elected we will: 

  1. strengthen engagement with BAM SIG and Track Chairs and members through developing effective career enhancing pathways and fostering collaborative opportunities to strengthen BAM’s strategic capabilities.   
  2. enhance reputation and impact of BAM through improved collaboration between BAM SIGs and external stakeholders including sector-leading organisations, industry, policy and international partners to support BAM’s growth ambitions. 
  3. accelerate collaboration with other BAM portfolios to bring better developmental opportunities to BAM SIGs. 

Overall, we will offer our enthusiasm to serve you and the BAM community to make BAM SIGs a stronger community. 

If you are an eligible voter (i.e. with current Full or Retired membership of BAM on the date that the poll opened) you will have received your voting link direct from OpaVote.com.

The closing date for votes to be returned will be Noon (British Summer Time) on Wednesday 21st May.

Please note canvassing of any sort – whether direct or indirect – is not permitted. The Academy’s Council and Trustees believe that, as individuals standing for election have set out their qualification for the role in their statement published on our website, voters should engage with the quality of that proposal alone.