Category: 2024 Speaker

Dr. David Easow, honored with the prestigious “Maulana Azad Puraskar,” has built a remarkable 39-year career marked by leadership across IT & ITES, Infrastructure, Publishing, Management, Education, Training, and Non-Profit sectors. With advanced professional credentials in IT and management from both national and international institutions, Dr. Easow has held influential positions globally, shaping industries and driving growth.

His leadership roles include General Manager at Hilal Computers in Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Chief Information Officer at World Vision of India, Director at Exceed Technology (US-based), and Executive Director at EMPI Business School, Delhi. Widely recognized for his expertise in software development, consulting, and project management, Dr. Easow has advised over 200 companies worldwide.

Internationally, he played a pivotal role in establishing a leading IT company in Bahrain and spearheaded business development across four countries. He was instrumental in developing and launching India’s first postgraduate program in Business Analytics and AI-Infused Management Program, under the guidance of Padma Bhushan Shri. N. Vittal, the key architect of India’s IT and Telecom revolution.

Currently, Dr. Easow is Deputy Director of International Affairs and the School of Liberal Arts & Applied Sciences at Hindustan University. He also serves as Country Chapter Chair of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), a member of the Education Committee at the Council of EU Chambers of Commerce, and a mentor at the Atal Incubation Centre. His pioneering efforts, including launching the first internet versions of English and Arabic newspapers in the Middle East, 24/7 IT support service and developing flexible IT training programs, have earned him international recognition.

Paul is a Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice and Director of Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) in the University of Bradford School of Management. Paul leads the University of Bradford Accelerated Entrepreneurship Programme, which provides opportunities for students, researchers, staff and community members to establish and grow successful business and social enterprises. Paul also directs the UK-China Healthtech Open Innovation programme, which has secured over £11m for collaborative research and innovation between UK/EU and Chinese academics, clinicians and companies.Paul is also a co-founder and CEO of CrystecPharma, a University of Bradford technology spin-out company focused on improving the performance of medicines, working with industry clients world-wide as well as developing its own portfolio of differentiated pharmaceutical products. The company has operations, joint ventures and strategic partnerships spanning the UK, Europe, Switzerland, China and the US. Paul has broad technical and business experience from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, where he held engineering, research, product development and commercial roles to executive level. He also has experience of establishing and running NGOs and spent three years as a Director of a UN refugee health programme in Tanzania. He has been involved in establishing, growing and exiting several business, has run his own dynamic strategy consulting company, has held executive advisory and board roles in companies, trade associations and NGOs, and was appointed by the UK government as the National Focal Point for Health and Innovation with China. Paul speaks four languages (and is learning Chinese), holds an MBA, professional membership of the Institute of Marketing, is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Having lived and worked in the Bradford City Region for ten years she is committed to positioning the University at the centre of the region’s social and economic regeneration by harnessing the University’s strengths in research, innovation, teaching and partnerships and creating a values-led culture that is inclusive and effective in enriching lives and benefitting society. As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon is responsible for the University of Bradford’s leadership and management, including the development and delivery of its values and strategic ambitions. She is the University’s eighth Vice-Chancellor and the first women to hold the role. Originally qualifying as a Registered Nurse, Shirley’s professional and academic expertise lies within the area of health and social care, service modernisation and cultural change, research methods and evidence-based practice. She has an outstanding record in all aspects of university leadership, having worked within the field of higher education for 25 years and held senior roles in three different universities. Shirley is a passionate advocate for equality and diversity, social inclusion and widening participation in higher education – opening opportunities and unlocking potential for people of all backgrounds. She is a tireless ambassador for students and is committed to ensuring they receive the education, experience, and support they need to reach their potential and move into their chosen career or further study after graduating.

For 2024-25 Professor Congdon sits as WTUN Chair of the General Board until 31 July 2025.