UK retail leaders contribute the UK’s first Masters in Internet Retailing through the Leadership Council initiative

London 26th June 2009

Internet research and training specialist Econsultancy has today announced that the UK’s first Masters in Internet Retailing qualification will be supported by a Leadership Council of experienced UK online retail leaders. Further members will be announced late in the year.

Board-level Directors from John Lewis Direct, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Ideal Home Shopping and Lakeland will be reviewing the course content and offering recommendations, helping to ensure the programme directly reflects ecommerce and retail industry requirements and retains its commercial focus. Advice and input will be supplemented by an annual delegate reception, giving MSc students the opportunity to gain insight and advice from the best in the business.  The Council comprises:
• Robin Terrell, Managing Director, John Lewis Direct
• Colin Porter, Commercial Director, House of Fraser
• Tony Preedy, Marketing Director, Lakeland
• Russell Gould, E-commerce Director, Thomas Cook
• Mike Hancox, CEO, Ideal Shopping Direct PLC

The Leadership Council's involvement underlines the innovative approach to this course, providing a real world perspective to complement the academic teaching and support.  Coupled with class-based training by industry practitioners and the yearly site visits to a large retail operations centre, the Masters in Internet Retailing qualification provides a uniquely practical, retail industry-led approach.

The programme has been designed in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and Ian Jindal, editor-in-chief of Internet Retailing Magazine, to produce the next generation of leaders in retail and ecommerce.

Ian Jindal, Editor of Internet Retailing, explained what the announcement means for successful applicants: “The Council’s generous involvement highlights just how important the development of talented internet retailing and ecommerce professionals is to the most senior and respected retail experts. We are delighted that they are lending their insights and expertise.” 

He continues: “The Council’s involvement provides a rigorous commercial focus to the qualification and a level mentoring and inspiration - placing the internet at the heart of multichannel retail.  The ‘rising stars of internet retailing’, who are considering applying, will be excited about the amazing wealth of experience and the inspirational people that they will meet throughout the course.”

Applications are welcomed from individuals involved in ecommerce and from more traditional retail backgrounds. Places on the Masters in Internet Retailing programme are strictly limited and the deadline for applications is 31st July, 2009.