Overview
Profile summary
Ian Roberts is Head of Plymouth Business School and a senior leader with extensive experience in global university business schools. He has expertise in strategic leadership, portfolio development, global accreditations, and cultural transformation.
Committed to helping people fulfil their potential,throughout his career Ian is driven by a motivation to unlock ambition in individuals, teams, and organisations. This vision shapes Plymouth Business School: a community that personalises success, supports students to build meaningful careers, and ensures every learner has the skills and confidence to thrive.
Alongside his academic leadership, Ian has a successful career in executive coaching and commercial consultancy, advising a range private and public sector clients. He is co-founder and director of two start-up businesses, and a coach on a global EdTech accelerator supporting emerging ventures and future-focused leaders.
Teaching interests
- Leadership development
- Organisational Psychology
- Performance and development consultancy
- Commercial Consultancy
- Creative industries
Roles on external bodies
EFMD and AACSB Accreditation Panel Members
External positions
Professor, Chandigarh University
1 Jul 2025 → …
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education
Research output
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Coaching for authentic leadership
Roberts, I., 2015, Leadership Coaching : Working with Leaders to Develop Elite Performance. Passmore, J. (ed.). Kogan PageResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
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Career or Slide?
Roberts, I., 2000, The Future of Career: Death and Transfiguration? . Collin, A. & Young, R. (eds.). Cambridge University PressResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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European Managers : HRM and an evolving trade
Roberts, I., 2000, In: European Business Review. 12, 5Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Performance Management and Reward
Roberts, I., 2000, Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Perspective. Beardwell, I. & Holden, L. (eds.).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
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HRM and The Learning Organisation
Roberts, I., 1999, Turku University Publishing: Finland.Research output: Book/Report › Edited collection