Two business school deans have been appointed chairman and vice chairman for the Association of Business Schools.

Professor Huw Morris, Dean of Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, and Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, have been appointed as chair and vice chair respectively.

Morris (pictured) said: "I am delighted to take over the role as chair of the ABS and will do my utmost. We are, however, living in challenging times with business schools facing four main issues - cuts in funding, competition from other providers, complaints about the role of business schools in the banking failures and financial crisis, and a changing world where climate change and shortages of commodities in many areas are forcing new ways of thinking and operating.”

Morris takes over the two-year post from Professor Howard Thomas, formerly of Warwick Business School.

Croney added: “I am very much looking forward to this new role. I am passionate about the development of business and management education and how UK business schools can play their part in the global economy in a sustainable and responsible way that benefits our students and clients.”

The ABS currently represents more than 100 business schools in the United Kingdom, primarily from universities and higher education institutions.