Video | Wednesday, 21st September 2016

Graduate named AACSB Influential Leader

Businessman Jonathan Mildenhall honoured

Jonathan Mildenhall, a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University Business School and the Chief Marketing Officer at AirBnB, Inc., was named as one of AACSB's Influential Leaders 2016 this week.

Nominated by the Business School, Jonathan was one of 30 individuals selected at the Annual Accreditation Conference in Minneapolis on Monday. The graduate was recognised for his innovative spirit and having a positive impact on business and society.

The business leader graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in 1990 with a degree in Business and Finance. In 2008, Jonathan received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University.

Professor Julia Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, said: “Jonathan has gone from strength to strength in his career. His progression in the business, creative and advertising world is inspiring to see. We are very proud that Jonathan is an alumnus of Manchester Metropolitan University Business School and delighted that he has received this recognition which is so well deserved.”

Going beyond

At Airbnb, Jonathan is helping to create one of the world’s first community-driven super brands. Prior to this, he was vice president for global advertising strategy and content excellence for The Coca-Cola Company for six years. In the past, Jonathan has worked on some of the world’s largest brands including Audi, Smirnoff, Vauxhall and Sony Playstation.

Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International said: “The 2016 Influential Leaders illustrates how the power of a business degree goes beyond—beyond industries, reaching lives in every part of the world—pioneering change, fostering global exchange, and improving the quality of life.

“I would like to thank Jonathan for exemplifying how business graduates can be a positive force in society, and congratulate Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business School for their role in helping to develop the knowledge, skills, and fortitude needed to address some of the toughest challenges we face today.”