Biography
Dr Ahmed Hassanien is an experienced academic and influential educational leader, currently serving as College Lead for the Business School at Edinburgh Napier University, with over 30 years of international teaching and research experience. He is internationally recognised for his contributions to hospitality, tourism, and events education, particularly in curriculum development, widening participation, and student transition support.
Ahmed co-authored the textbook Hospitality Business Development (Routledge), now in its third edition and translated into Spanish, with over 4,000 global sales. His pedagogical research, including work on student group learning and inclusive curriculum, has received over 1,100 citations and continues to shape best practice in higher education. His leadership in the Direct Entrant Transition Programme (DETP), a sector-recognised model of onboarding for college entrants, has enhanced student belonging and progression while informing institutional strategies.
He serves as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Customer Relationship Marketing and Management and on the editorial board of The International Journal of Human Capital and Information Technology Professionals. He regularly acts as external examiner for doctoral theses across the UK and Gulf institutions and has successfully supervised many doctoral students to completion.
A recipient of multiple teaching excellence awards, including Best Teacher of the Year (ENSA), Ahmed is recognised for his student-centred, inclusive pedagogy and impactful programme innovation. His external engagement spans industry partnerships, professional training delivery, and international collaborations with institutions and networks across the globe.