Pictured above: Professor Mike Hardy
Coventry University has appointed Professor Mike Hardy as the
new Executive Director for the Institute of Community Cohesion
(iCoCo).
Professor Hardy joins Coventry University from the British
Council where he was Director of Intercultural Dialogue.
Mike Hardy's experience of diversity and cultural exchange has
established him as an expert in this field. His interests in
cultural relations developed following postings in the Arab world
and Asia which led to his appointment to frame and lead the British
Council's global programme in intercultural exchange.
Denise Skinner, Dean of the Business School at Coventry
University said:
"We are delighted to welcome Mike to iCoCo. Mike's intellectual
contribution and engagement in international cultural relations are
supported by his practical international and in-country experience
in relation to issues of diversity, cohesion and
multiculturalism.
"He brings with him a wealth of experience and will take iCoCo
forward to carry on its excellent work and firmly establish it as a
driving force for promoting community cohesion."
Mike has recently been appointed as lead expert for 'Identity'
for the Vodafone-sponsored new Future-Agenda Initiative. He
continues to contribute to conferences, global discussions and
applied research in Intercultural Dialogue, multiculturalism and
diversity.
Mike is also a member of the UK National Cohesion Forum.
Speaking about his appointment, Mike Hardy said:
"I am thrilled to be joining the team at iCoCo. In such a
relatively short time, they have established themselves as a highly
respected think-tank in matters relating to community cohesion. The
breadth of their research and collaborative work with local
communities, Government agencies and local government associations
continues to grow and I am looking forward to the challenge of
developing iCoCo further."
Mike was awarded the OBE in 2001 for his work in the Middle
East, and was appointed a Companion of Honour of St Michael and St
George (CMG) in the Queen's Birthday Honours, 2010 for his work
internationally in Intercultural Dialogue.
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk