In conversation with… Peter Todd
Appointed dean of Imperial Business School last September, Peter Todd talks to Ambition editor Colette Doyle about the importance of creating mindful, forward-thinking leaders and why the world will always need “useful” people
Tell us about your background and how you came to take up the role at Imperial Business School “I’m an accidental academic. I’m a first-generation university student – my academic journey began at McGill University in Canada. Before that, I had a few jobs, including one at a cement plant in British Columbia – an experience that, I expect, grounded me in the realities of work. It also helped me pay my way through school. “I was lucky as a young academic to work at great universities in Canada and the US with excellent mentors and role models. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of holding leadership roles across North America and Europe, including serving as dean at HEC Paris before coming to Imperial. “What drew me to Imperial was its unique position as a great business school embedded in one of the world’s leading STEMB (ie STEM plus business) universities – and the only school of that type in Europe. That intersection of science, technology and business is incredibly powerful. I saw an opportunity to help bridge those worlds, to bring business thinking into scientific innovation and help Imperial bring science to humanity. “I’ve found that the culture here, which incorporates a focus on excellence with a desire to be useful, has only deepened my belief that this is a place where we can do something truly distinctive to address global challenges.” What have been some of the highlights of your career to date? “I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly remarkable institutions and people. Leading HEC Paris through a period
of transformation was certainly a highlight, as was overseeing the launch of a major fundraising campaign while there. “What I find most rewarding is helping build institutions that matter – places that are academically rigorous but also connected to the world around them. Whether it’s launching new interdisciplinary initiatives, enhancing programme portfolios, or mentoring students and faculty, the greatest reward is to help people make an impact. “Now, at Imperial, I see the opportunity to take that to another level: it’s an institution that was founded with the explicit mission to “be useful”. With its critical mass of STEM expertise, coupled with the deep and engaged knowledge of its business school, it is poised to provide important answers to grand challenges such as climate and sustainability and the impact of AI, as well as the creation of healthy and resilient societies. “A great example of this is the work being done through our Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, which brings together world-class research to inform better healthcare policy and delivery. It’s this kind of impact-driven, interdisciplinary work that makes Imperial such a powerful platform for change.” Do you believe that in the 21st century, with the rise of alternative providers such as LinkedIn and Coursera, the MBA is still able to stand out and distinguish itself in the marketplace? “Absolutely. The MBA remains a powerful and relevant qualification, but it must continue to evolve. At Imperial, we already offer a distinctive MBA programme that reflects our
12 Ambition • ISSUE 4 • 2025
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