The centre was set up in 2001 by Dean Sue Cox with the aim of bringing together China-related activities in LUMS that first started in 1986.

Professor Brown was a founding member and became director in 2005. Over these 15 years LCMC’s activities have spanned research, institutional linkages and executive education. In China these activities frequently interact and LCMC developed deep partnerships with key institutions. Highlights of LCMC’s contribution include the Confucius Institute, initiating the China-UK Entrepreneurship Competition involving student teams from over 50 universities, the Catalyst programme and setting up the first alumni network in China. LCMC’s engagement has been recognised through three UKTI national awards.

The LCMC agenda remains one of raising the profile of LUMS and hence the University through its related activities. This helps student the recruitment agenda, improves employment prospects for Lancaster graduates returning to China and strengthens the LUMS presence in China.

On stepping down last week, Professor Brown said: “Over these 11 years as director I have enjoyed wonderful support from colleagues and the external advisors, and thank them all. Perhaps the development that has pleased me most has been the growth of the China agenda across the campus and the contribution that the centre has been able to make to this. With the new Beijing Jiaotong Lancaster University it is exciting times for Lancaster and the start of a whole new chapter. I wish it, and LCMC’s new director Dr Qihai Huang, every success!”

The new director Dr Qihai Huang said: “At the steering committee last week, we thanked David on behalf of the whole Lancaster China Management Centre committee for his dedication, commitment and significant achievements to promoting the China agenda across the university. I’m thrilled and honoured to take over the directorship at a challenging time from David who has led the centre successfully over the last 11 years. I am looking forward to working with colleagues at LUMS and beyond to contribute to the university and school’s internationalisation strategy and strengthen Lancaster’s reputation in China management research and engagement."