Industry leaders join Surrey Business School as Executives-in-Residence

Their extensive industry experience and leadership across technology, digital transformation, and business growth will bring valuable real-world insights to students, academics, and the wider Surrey community.

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 adviser to many founders of start-ups and has worked with the University of Surrey on improving employability programmes. He has also written for the Financial Times ('Ask the expert' column) and is an economics graduate from Trinity College Dublin. He has worked in Silicon Valley (California) and Asia (Singapore).  

His expertise in technology, innovation, and employability will support Surrey Business School’s mission to connect students with industry and prepare them for future careers.

Spyros Stamoulis 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, St George’s 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 expertise in leadership, strategy, and transformation will support Surrey Business School’s commitment to innovation, professional development, and global business engagement.

Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Dean of Surrey Business School stated: 

“We are delighted to welcome Simon Kelly and Spyros Stamoulis as SBS Executives-in-Residence. Their proven leadership across technology, transformation, and business growth will enrich our community with perspectives that bridge academic knowledge and industry practice. Their engagement will help us prepare our students to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.” 

Dr Athina Ioannou, Academic Lead for SBS Executive-in-Residence said:

“Having Simon and Spyros join us as Executives in Residence gives our students the chance to learn directly from leaders who have shaped global businesses. Their experiences will inspire our students to think bigger, build confidence in their own ideas, and understand how to translate classroom learning into real-world impact.” 

Follow this link for more information on Surrey Business School’s Executive-in-Residence programme or contact Dr Athina Ioannou, Lead of SBS Executive-in-Residence.