Pictured above: Kevin Todd

An Executive Managing Director of Mitchells & Butlers, Kevin Todd, has been made a visiting Professor by Birmingham City University.

Professor Todd will be advising the unique Academy of Multi-Unit Leadership at Birmingham City Business School at Birmingham City University.

Professor Todd is a high profile executive in the European hospitality sector who is recognised by his industry peers as having made a major contribution to the national and international casual dining sector. He is renowned as the principal expert in managed premium restaurant operations having been the driving force behind many new and innovative casual dining brands such as the Premium Country Dining Group and Village Pub and Kitchen.  Kevin's formal education includes an International MBA from the Nottingham Business School and Executive courses at Harvard and Cornell.  Previous to his current position Professor Todd worked in senior positions for Allied Breweries, Greene King, Gala Clubs and Volvo.  

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Todd said: "I am honoured to have been appointed a Visiting Professor to advise the school on multiple retail and leisure leadership - something that I have an intimate knowledge of given my career over the past 30 years. I am passionate about raising the skills, knowledge and capabilities of unit, area and regional managers in multi-unit enterprises. Getting both the functional and emotional attributes of service delivery in multiple chain environments is a key determinant of success."

The Director of the Academy of Multi-Unit Leadership, Professor Chris Edger said: "I am delighted that Professor Todd, who is one of Europe's the leading experts on service delivery in premium multi-unit contexts, has agreed to join us in an advisory capacity. The award of his title is proper recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to multiple retail and leisure leadership over the past two decades.  We look forward to using his insights, experience and skills at the Academy."

The Academy is part of The Centre for Leadership and Management Practice which is dedicated to innovation in the practice of management education, leading to innovative new approaches to organisational management practice. The team employs a practice-based approach which blends academic rigour with practical relevance to help businesses. The Centre has co-designed some of the UK's most innovative management education programmes such as a flexible Masters programme in Leadership and Strategy and an in-company BA degree in Leadership and Management Practice, the delivery of which can be adapted to an organisation's specific needs.

Birmingham City University is currently running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies.