Westminster Business School (WBS) has launched a Strategic Advisory Board with senior industry leaders to strengthen its connection to industry and ensure it provides students with skills they need for the future. The Board aims to promote social mobility and ensure students from all backgrounds can thrive.
The Strategic Advisory Board will strengthen the school’s links with employers and thought leaders, who will bring their insights, expertise and networks into WBS’s strategic planning. This will ensure that teaching and research at the school remain aligned with industry demands. This will equip students with the skills desired by modern employers and meet the Being Westminster strategic objective of preparing students for success in a changing world.
The Board will also champion wider access to opportunities and support for students from all backgrounds, ensuring that the school plays a meaningful role in increasing social mobility. This reflects Westminster’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and strategic mission to help students from different backgrounds to fulfil their potential.
The Advisory Board comprises senior leaders from a range of sectors including finance, the built environment, enterprise, health and aviation, which reflects the breadth of WBS’s engagement and ambition. Their diverse range of expertise will support Westminster to help shape a workforce that is ready for future challenges, supporting the skills agenda in the UK and beyond.
The Board also features distinguished alumni who possess a distinctive understanding of the school’s needs. This includes Ritika Wadwha, a leading entrepreneur and business owner.
About the board Ritika said: “21 years ago I enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course at the University of Westminster. My time as a student was transformative. Westminster shaped my cultural intelligence and entrepreneurial mindset. Returning as an Advisory Board member feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m proud to help drive forward the Business School’s bold ambitions.”
Industry partnerships like this form a key ambition of Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise due to open in Spring 2026. Zone29 provides students and graduates with access to work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences, and it will connect students from all backgrounds to industry professionals to build the confidence and networks they need to succeed.
Professor Christos Kalantaridis, Head of College for Westminster Business School and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching Excellence and Student Experience, said: “At Westminster Business School, social mobility and ensuring every student fulfils their potential are what drive us each day. This Advisory Board represents more than a connection to industry: it is a commitment. In these uncertain economic times, we must anticipate change, partner closely with employers and prepare students for the demands of tomorrow. Above all, the Board ensures we open doors for students from all backgrounds, giving them the experiences, networks and support they need to excel. In doing so, it plays a central role in the future of Westminster Business School, and the positive impact our graduates can make in society.”
The Strategic Advisory Board’s mission directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about studying at Westminster Business School.
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