BRITVIC'S IT director is to work with Birmingham City University as professor of applied information technology and corporate strategy.

Working alongside staff at Birmingham City University’s School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks (CTN), Dr Rob Pritchard will support the school’s engagement with industry as well as encourage graduate employment opportunities for students.

Rehan Bhana, associate head of school (academic) at Birmingham City University, said: “Dr Rob Pritchard brings remarkable experience from each facet of the ICT industry. Knowing his innovative achievements, it will be a privilege to work with him.”

After graduating from Plymouth University with a degree in computing, Dr Pritchard joined Hewlett-Packard in 1990, working in IT consulting for eight years.

He then went on to work for Deloitte as a director in its management consulting department for six years, before joining Britvic plc in 2005 as head of IT planning and governance. He continues in his role as the IT director for Britvic plc and is also a fellow of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Dr Pritchard said: “I am delighted and honoured to have had Birmingham City University ask me to support them and I am really looking forward to helping them bring more industrial relevance to teaching and research.”