Leading Impact
A showcase of some of the fantastic projects that faculty are engaged with at Henley Business School. Our work is built on twin pillars: strong engagement with senior public policymakers and with leaders in commercial and not-for-profit organisations.
Transforming Business Education for a Fairer Future
Operating within a business and societal context, Henley focuses on the economic and social preconditions necessary for a fairer, more sustainable future.
This is reflected in our commitment to transforming business education to prepare our community for the evolving world of work — an ethos embedded across our institution. Initiatives such as the World of Work Institute exemplify this commitment, encompassing work on the impact of AI and automation in the workplace — where we focus on four rich impactful projects:
- Flexible work, particularly our work on the four-day week
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
- Sustainable leadership with Henley’s particular focus on good governance and the boardroom
We remain committed to enriching our core expertise beyond sustainability, ensuring that we can contribute to critical debates concerning our society. We draw on two key projects related to building cities that make us healthier and how community-led planning can support just neighbourhoods.
Commitment to Sustainability and Research Excellence
We are committed to supporting the University’s sustainability research agenda and contributing to excellence in environmental sustainability.
Our adherence to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is led by the Centre for Ethics and Sustainability, and we have further expanded our sustainability focus through the development of a Sustainable Finance Group.
Reflecting the sustainability imperative, we have two pieces of research that provide timely evidence to inform regulatory decisions, investment strategies, financial resilience in the face of increasing climate-related disruptions, and cleaning up ‘corporate pollution’.
Global Engagement and Industry Collaboration
Our impact extends worldwide through:
- A global alumni network of 100,000+ graduates in over 100 countries
- Platforms like Henley Live, sharing research insights and fostering industry collaboration
- A strong international research profile, supported by diverse faculty and global expertise
We align research with curriculum and career development to support Henley community members at every stage of their professional journey—ensuring our work shapes both research and the world of work.
In memory of Professor Andrew Kakabadse
The late Professor Andrew Kakabadse was Professor of Governance and Leadership and Programme Director of the Board Directors' Programme at Henley Business School. His research covered board performance, governance, leadership and policy. He passed away in the summer of 2025.
“We dedicate this issue to Professor Andrew Kakabadse, whom we sadly lost earlier this year. His warmth, knowledge and quiet gravitas will be missed at Henley, and he was an example to us all.”Professor Elena B Spasova, Dean and Professor James T Walker, Pro-Dean of Academic Resources and Director of the World of Work Institute and Henley Business School Director of Research
Our Leading Impact research for 2025
Featured authors from Henley
External authors
Dr Irene Garnelo Gómez
Assistant Professor in Marketing and Sustainability at IQS School of Management
Dr Irene Garnelo Gómez is an Assistant Professor in Marketing and Sustainability at IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull (Spain) and a Visiting Research Fellow at Henley Business School. Her work focuses on better understanding the psychological processes that shape responsible and sustainable behaviours.
Dimitrios Georgakakis
Professor of International Business, University of Leeds
Dimitrios Georgakakis is a Professor of International Business at the Department of International Business, University of Leeds and the Director of the Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL). He is an Associate Editor at the Journal of Management Studies, and an Editor Oversight of JMS Says. His research has been published in several academic outlets.
Chenxing Jing
Assistant Professor of Finance, University of International Business and Economics
Chenxing Jing is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of International Business and Economics, Beijing. His main research areas are corporate finance, corporate governance and sustainability.
Luo Zuo
Chair Professor of Accounting and Finance, National University of Singapore
Luo Zuo is a Chair Professor of Accounting and Finance at the National University of Singapore. His research focuses on accounting and finance topics related to behavioural economics, entrepreneurship, governance, technology and sustainability.
Loretto Leavy
PhD in Leadership, University of Exeter
Loretto Leavy has worked as a company secretary to boards of complex organisations for two decades across sectors and jurisdictions, focusing on financial services in the last decade. She is completing her PhD in Leadership at the University of Exeter, researching board behavioural dynamics, while working part time as a Group Company Secretary.