The new head of a business school has pledged stronger links with the private sector. Professor Paul Phillips, who has been acting director of Kent Business School for the past seven months, has now taken over the permanent role.

KBS is the largest department at the University of Kent with more than 1,200 undergraduates and 200 postgraduate students.

Prof Phillips succeeded Martyn Jones who left late last year to become pro-vice chancellor for external affairs and business development at Kingston University in Surrey.

In a presentation to colleagues, Prof Phillips highlighted the challenges faced by the school over the next three years.

He said: "My primary overarching strategic priority is to improve the performance of the school in relation to research, teaching, innovation and enterprise.

"I look forward to developing stronger partnerships and networks with other academic, private and public sector institutions within Kent, UK, Europe and international."

In an email to staff, Prof Andrew Derrington, dean of social sciences, wrote: " In my view we are very fortunate to have him as director and I hope that you will join me in congratulating him. I look forward to working closely with him to help the school to meet the challenges he outlined in his talk."

Before becoming the school’s acting director, Prof Phillips was deputy director and professor of strategic management for four years.

He previously held the Charles Forte Chair of Hotel Management at the University of Surrey. Before that, he lectured in financial management at Cardiff Business School.

Prof Phillips is the author of more than 80 articles and a textbook "E-business strategy: text and cases." He has also co-authored books on strategic planning systems in hospitality and tourism, and the impact of electronic business on accountants.

He also undertakes research into performance measurement, organisational effectiveness, e-business strategy, travel and tourism, and e-procurement.

The school is accredited to the Association of MBAs, and employs 58 full-time academic staff from 20 countries.