Former Toyota vice president takes up key role with new Derby Business School

The University of Derby has appointed Marvin Cooke, former Executive Vice President for Manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe, as its Professor of Enterprise.

Professor Cooke, who takes up his role on 1 September, will lead on Industry Engagement – a strategic priority for the University - and drive forward employability, enterprise and business development as the University prepares for the opening of its new city centre-based Derby Business School building in 2025. 

Members of the Derby Business School research team are in the World-Ranking top 2% scientist list, created annually by Stanford University, and Professor Cooke will play a key role in supporting academic teams across the University in delivering impactful industry engagement and research. 

He said:

“I am honoured to join the University of Derby and its high-performing, rapidly expanding business school.

“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University’s efforts to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. The role will not only allow me to contribute to the University’s learning and teaching strategies, but to also support research teams and foster professional practice-based collaborations with academic, industrial and government entities.”

Professor Cooke’s 40 years’ industry experience – including 33 spent at Toyota – means that he has a deep knowledge and understanding of business leadership at an executive level that can be applied to students at the University of Derby. 

He said: “My experience in a fast-paced, high-tech global environment across many European countries means that I understand the importance of students acquiring both academic and practical skills to prepare for their future careers. 

“My aim is to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, helping students see how University knowledge translates into real-world scenarios, thereby enriching their educational journey.”

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said:

“We are delighted to have Professor Marvin Cooke on board.

“Marvin is a highly qualified seasoned executive with an exceptional record of radically transforming manufacturing operations at C-Level; raising standard, optimising operations and driving efficiencies.

“He brings with him more than three decades of experience in strategic leadership, business development, cross-border stakeholder management and innovation.

“Professor Cooke will work with colleagues to support the University’s industry engagement efforts, particularly in the areas of business support for growth, efficiency, innovation and talent development.

“He’ll work on collaborative research, knowledge exchange and executive education, and joins the University of Derby as we prepare to move into our new state-of-the-art building that has been designed as a gateway for businesses.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“I am delighted that Marvin is joining the University and I know we will benefit from his expert skills.”

Leading the way in impact from industry engagement is one of the four Pillars that form the University’s Strategic Framework. 

Launched in 2018, the Strategic Framework was created to guide the University over the next decade to 2030. Since then, the University has enjoyed numerous successes that have accelerated progress against its strategic ambitions. 

For more information on the new Derby Business School visit our website.