The executive vice president of manufacturing for Toyota Motor Europe will deliver the first in a new series of Business Leaders Lectures at Nottingham Business School which begins next week.
Marvin Cooke studied electrical and electronic engineering at Nottingham Trent University before a career in the automotive industry that has culminated in him taking on one of the most senior roles in Europe with the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer.
He will talk about his experiences as a business leader and the lessons he has learned so far during his career when he delivers the inaugural lecture in the new series on 11 October.
The Business Leaders Lecture series is part of a programme of events organised by Nottingham Business School to give students, the wider business community and alumni the opportunity to hear directly from people who lead public and private sector organisations which help shape the world around us.
Professor Baback Yazdani, executive dean of Nottingham Business School, said: “Nottingham Business School is one of the leading institutions for business education in the UK and Europe and over the years we have educated and trained thousands of people who have gone on to take leadership positions.
“The Business Leaders Lecture series is part of our commitment to ensuring that we combine that academic excellence with a positive impact on the world around us by sharing insights about the lessons leaders have learned while confronting challenges, innovating and driving progress.”
Marvin Cooke’s lecture – which is open to students and the wider business community – will be the first in a series of lectures from October onwards. Details about the leaders who will deliver the other lectures in the series will be announced later.
He is expected to explore how Toyota is pursuing its goal of becoming a mobility company, changing its business model from designing, producing and selling vehicles to one where it provides services in which vehicles are incorporated into a system.
Marvin said: “At Toyota, one of our founding principles is to be studious and creative, always striving to stay ahead of the times.
“One of the most effective ways to do that is to share learning – to contribute to development in the community we’re part of. So I’m delighted to take part in the Nottingham Business School Business Leaders Lecture series and I look forward to seeing you there!”
Melanie Currie, deputy dean of Nottingham Business School, added: “One of the key characteristics of leaders is that they never stop learning – from the teams they work with, the organisations they’re part of and the communities they serve.
“Our Business Leaders Lecture Series enables them to share those lessons with a wider audience.
“Whether you’re a student or in business, this is your opportunity to come along and hear from people who lead organisations which help to shape our world.”
Marvin Cooke will deliver his lecture at Nottingham Business School in the Newton Building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham on Tuesday 11 October from 5:30-7pm. To register for the event, go online to www.ntu.ac.uk/BLLS
