Queen's Business School (QBS) at Queen's University Belfast has appointed Dr Lyle Watters as Chair of its Advisory Board.

Northern Ireland-born Dr Watters is a former senior executive at Ford Motor Company, where he spent 37 years in leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the US, South America, China and other key Asian markets.

He served for eight years as a corporate officer of Ford, including as President of Ford South America & International Markets Group, Vice President and General Manager of Ford's passenger vehicle business in China, and CFO of Ford of Europe and South America. He brings extensive international board and governance experience, having served with major Ford joint ventures in China, Turkey, Russia and Germany. His work has included evaluating and executing investment opportunities, driving domestic and export growth, developing innovative business models and leading organisational restructuring.

He is also a member of the Senate of Queen's University Belfast, a Trustee of the USPCA, and an independent business adviser.

A Queen's graduate with an MBA, Dr Watters was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science in Economics by the university earlier this summer in recognition of his contribution to business and leadership.

Commenting on his new role, Dr Watters said: "I'm delighted to take on this role at an exciting time for the School. QBS has strong foundations and growing international ambition, and I believe the Board can make a real contribution by bringing external insight, constructive challenge and strong connections to business and wider society.

"My priority is to ensure the Board is forward-looking and impactful, helping QBS anticipate change, strengthen its international reach and create new opportunities for its students, faculty and the communities it serves."

Dr Watters will take up the post in September 2026.