Digital media entrepreneur and academic Alex Connock has been appointed Visiting Professor in e-commerce video at the University of Sunderland.
Dr Connock will work with the team at the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre hosting annual masterclasses for Broadcast Media Production, Digital Film, Social Media Management and Film & TV students, as well as lecture and teach e-commerce video, social video and factual TV.
As an entrepreneur and academic in digital media – with a specialisation in video and e-commerce, Dr Connock brings with him a wealth of industry experience. In 2018 he founded Missile Digital Studios, having previously built production companies Endemol Shine North and Ten Alps (now Zinc Media) which he co-founded with Bob Geldof. He has six times been shortlisted as Entrepreneur of the Year.
Academically he is Associate Fellow at Oxford University’s Said School of Business, Senior Tutor at the National Film and Television School in creative entrepreneurship, entrepreneur in residence at European business school INSEAD, visiting professor at Salford, and now University of Sunderland, creative leader in residence at UCLAN. He has a PhD in video optimisation for e-commerce.
He is also board director at UK5G, UNICEF UK and The Halle Orchestra. And he is an Academy full member at BAFTA.
Speaking about his appointment, Dr Connock said: “I have a real passion for the economic opportunity in the North around digital creation, and Sunderland can be a huge participant in that, both as a university and an economy.
“Huge new e-commerce businesses are being built in the North, employing thousands of graduates with creative and digital marketing skills. I look forward to working with students and academic staff in relating the institution to that exciting economy in practical and intellectually exciting ways.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Graeme Thompson, welcomed the appointment and said: “Alex is an original thinker in digital media and is hugely influential. His boundless enthusiasm and knowledge of TV, social media and digital production will be a tremendous asset for our students and staff. We’re delighted he has chosen to work with us here in Sunderland.”