On 1 August, the successful merger of the University of Reading and Henley Management College will create the new Henley Business School, a major player in the business education market, and potentially, the largest business school in Europe.
The new Henley Business School will bring together the University of Reading’s internationally rated research capability, including expertise in real estate management, sustainability and financial market trading with the global reputation of Henley Management College in delivering management and leadership education.
The new institution will establish one of the largest full-service business schools in Europe, offering a portfolio that spans the full range of business education, from undergraduate courses to doctoral degrees and from pure research to customized executive education alongside its world-ranked MBA.
Chris Bones, Dean of the Henley Business School, said:
“The increasing globalisation of the business education market makes it imperative that we develop our world reach; a consumer-focused portfolio of courses, sector leading research and a dynamic brand will attract the managers and leaders of tomorrow.
“Our new Henley Business School will make a real difference in the formation and development of the next generation of managers across the globe.”
Tony Downes, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Reading, said:
“Students, academics and corporate clients alike will enjoy the benefits of the incredible diversity and expertise at the Henley Business School at Reading.
“The synergy between the University’s academic and research strength in finance, business, management and real estate with the world-renown of Henley’s MBA and executive courses, as well as their expertise in thought leadership, promises to make the Henley Business School a new global powerhouse in the field of business education.
“Additionally, as part of the University of Reading, the Henley Business School will benefit from our world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise and play a major part in further cementing our reputation as one of the world’s top universities.”
Paul Walsh, CEO Diageo plc and new member of the University of Reading’s Council, said:
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“Combining the resources of Henley Management College with those of the University of Reading will create a business school with the strengths and capabilities to become a world leader in the delivery of business and management education for organisations and individuals on the global stage.”
Henley Business School will operate between the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus in Reading and the Greenlands campus at Henley.
On the Whiteknights campus, a new extension to the ICMA Centre will open this autumn and a new purpose-built home for the Henley Business School, housing the schools of Real Estate and Planning, Management and Economics will open in Spring 2009.