Serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and angel investor appointed as the Business School’s David Goldman Visiting Professor
25 July 2019
Newcastle University Business School is delighted to announce Sherry Coutu CBE as it’s David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Enterprise.
Sherry will take over from digital media entrepreneur Herb Kim, as our 17th David Goldman Visiting Professor.
Originally from Canada, Sherry has a deep understanding of the digital sector having been a serial entrepreneur, investor and non-executive director of companies, charities and universities for 25 years. She chairs Founders4Schools, Workfinder, The Scaleup Institute and Raspberry Pi Trading Ltd.
Sherry holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and thanks to her London School of Economics background, possesses a deep understanding of the economy, technology and consumer behaviour as well as the dynamics of both business-to-business and business-to-consumer organisations across several sectors.
In 2013 Sherry was awarded a CBE from Her Majesty the Queen for Services to Entrepreneurship, this is reflected through her service on the boards of several companies, charities, and universities.
Sherry has also received a number of accolades, including:
- Best CEO mentor/adviser in Europe (TechCrunch)
- One of the top 25 'most influential people in the wired world' (Wired magazine)
- Business woman of the year (2019) (Veuve Cliquot)
- Most Influential Woman in the UK IT Industry (BIMA and Computer Weekly)
She is also recognised by Barclays for her Outstanding Contribution to Entrepreneurship in the UK.
As Goldman Professor, Sherry will work to extend connectivity and interdisciplinarity of Business School programmes, in support of the School and wider University’s vision, mission and our commitment to pioneering innovation.
She will also increase engagement with the regional, national, and international Tech and Digital sector in support of the Business School’s strategic focus on the ‘Future of Work’ and ‘Leading on Leadership’.
Sherry said “I am extremely honoured to have been chosen to be the next David Goldman Visiting Professor at Newcastle University Business School and am looking forward to helping with the Business School's strategic ambitions to lead the UK with regards to the Future of Work and Leadership.”
Inspire and motivate
Sherry will be the Business School’s 17th David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Enterprise. The appointment is made on an annual basis to a leading entrepreneur or influential figure from the North East who can inspire and motivate future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The position was established in 2001 to commemorate the life and work of David Goldman, founder and Chief Executive of the North East’s iconic software company, the Sage Group plc. In addition to the Visiting Professorship, the Goldman endowment funds a Chair in the Business School, seven David Goldman Doctoral Studentships, and the annual David Goldman Lecture.
Sherry’s tenure as a Goldman Visiting Professor will begin with the annual David Goldman lecture next month.
We are honoured to welcome Sherry Coutu CBE to the Business School as this year’s Goldman Professor
Professor Sharon Mavin, Director of Newcastle University Business School, said: "Reflecting the legacy of David Goldman, to affect real change in the boosting the region’s growth through partnership between education and practice, Sherry will work with us on our vision for the Future of Work. She will support our contributions to diversity, employability, digital and FinTech and our strategy of Leading on Leadership, recognising the value of combining research-led education, technology and leadership skills.
Sherry’s experience as a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and NED, along with her contributions to the Scale Up Institute and Founders4Schools offers Newcastle University Business School an invaluable opportunity. Sherry shares our purpose of inspiring students and preparing them for the Future of Work. I’m looking forward to Sherry sharing insights and experience with colleagues and our students, inspiring them to become future entrepreneurs and innovators.”
The annual David Goldman lecture will take place at 17:00 on Monday 02 March at Newcastle University Business School, followed by opportunities for networking. The event is free and open to all, but places must be booked in advance.