Executive-in-Residence

Simon Kelly is an expert in how technology can disrupt traditional industries. He is a business leader from influential tech companies like Accenture, Vodafone, Microsoft, and LinkedIn, and many tech startups. Simon was part of the founding exec team for LinkedIn Europe when it was just a small startup in 2008 and spent eight years growing the business to be ready for IPO and the Microsoft $26bn acquisition. He has been an advisor to many founders of start-up’s and has worked with the University of Surrey on improving employability programs. He has also written for Financial Times ('ask the expert' column) and is an economics graduate from Trinity College Dublin and has worked in Silicon Valley (California) and Asia (Singapore). 

Spyros is leading the growth sales team in NTT DATA UK&I. He has been in industry for more than 25 years having held leadership roles in Banking at the beginning of his career and subsequently various consulting and sales leadership roles in PwC, Wipro and Dell. In his current role at NTT DATA, he focuses on building high performing teams who collaborate closely with strategic clients, offering innovative IT services and capabilities to drive tangible business outcomes.  

Originally from Greece, Spyros holds a BA(Hons) in Business from City University in London and an MBA from Cranfield Business School. He has served as a visiting lecturer on the Cranfield MBA programme, authored several papers and thought leadership pieces, and remains actively involved in his community. His contributions include serving as Vice Chair Governor for a local primary school, Team Manager for a swimming club, and official at a local football club.  A keen traveller who has visited more than 60 countries, Spyros enjoys staying active, ocean surfing, and occasionally skydiving from 14,000 feet for charitable causes. 

Tim Fairhurst serves as the Director General at the European Tourism Association (ETOA), the leading trade body representing the travel and tourism industry across Europe. With a deep understanding of policy, regulation, and international market dynamics, Tim has played a key role in shaping industry responses to challenges such as Brexit, digital disruption, and sustainability in tourism. His insights will provide Surrey Business School students with a critical perspective on global business trends and policy implications.

Trevor To is the Hospitality Leader at Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm. With over two decades of experience spanning Europe and Asia, Trevor has led major urban design and workplace transformation projects, helping businesses shape the future of their built environments. His expertise in design innovation and strategic planning will support Surrey Business School’s focus on sustainability and digital transformation.

Melanie Steel is a seasoned business leader with a proven track record in transformational change, organisational design, and strategic HR leadership. With over 25 years of experience, Melanie has led complex change initiatives across sectors, including financial services, telecoms, and the public sector. Her approach combines deep expertise in human capital strategy with a passion for fostering inclusive, agile work cultures that adapt to evolving business landscapes.