30 Sep Global Commerce: Executive in Residence Program at Denison
Denison University’s Global Commerce major is on the forefront of providing students the know-how to understand and address the challenges, problems, and opportunities that businesses and organizations face in today’s global economy. To enhance an already dynamic program, the college has just launched an Executive in Residence initiative that will give Global Commerce students direct and sustained connections with experienced, successful business and nonprofit executives.
Professor Karen Spierling, director of the Global Commerce program, notes, ”Our Executives in Residence will share what they have learned throughout their successful careers, from the strengths of various management styles to in-depth knowledge about global variations in markets, business practices, and organizational structures. We expect they will develop strong mentoring relationships with our students over time. Having direct access to a range of professional expertise and insight will give our students a real edge as they launch their own careers.”
David Hirsh, CEO & Co-Founder of Atrium Buying Corp., and Richard Jolly, Director of Stokes & Jolly Limited, have agreed to serve as the first two holders of the Executive in Residence position.
Hirsh has a long-established relationship with Global Commerce students and brings a keen understanding of the changing landscape of the retail industry and venture capital investment. He has both corporate and entrepreneurial leadership experience as well as a proven track record of mentoring Denison students.
“I have loved being involved with the Global Commerce department since its inception,” says Hirsh. “I am thrilled to be a resource that can help share real-life business experiences with the students, and to help them make valuable connections with the business community. These students are impressive. Their passion for Global Business and Denison is remarkable.”
Jolly, while relatively new to Global Commerce and to Denison, has an established record as an adjunct professor of Organizational Behaviour at London Business School and visiting lecturer at a number of business schools around the world. He has extensive leadership consulting experience across a wide range of sectors, including central and investment banking, private equity, advertising, and consumer goods.
“In its first four years of existence at Denison, the Global Commerce major has been a pioneer in demonstrating how academic programs can collaborate with non-academic professionals in ways that highly benefit our students,” says Spierling. “The Executive in Residence program will continue this trajectory.”