Coventry Appoints New Executive Director for The Institute of Community Cohesion (iCoCo)

Coventry University has appointed Professor Mike Hardy as the new Executive Director for the Institute of Community Cohesion (iCoCo).

Professor Hardy joins Coventry University from the British Council where he was Director of Intercultural Dialogue.

Mike Hardy’s experience of diversity and cultural exchange has established him as an expert in this field. His interests in cultural relations developed following postings in the Arab world and Asia which led to his appointment to frame and lead the British Council’s global programme in intercultural exchange.

Denise Skinner, Dean of the Business School at Coventry University said:

We are delighted to welcome Mike to iCoCo. Mike’s intellectual contribution and engagement in international cultural relations are supported by his practical international and in-country experience in relation to issues of diversity, cohesion and multiculturalism.

He brings with him a wealth of experience and will take iCoCo forward to carry on its excellent work and firmly establish it as a driving force for promoting community cohesion.

Mike has recently been appointed as lead expert for ‘Identity’ for the Vodafone-sponsored new Future-Agenda Initiative. He continues to contribute to conferences, global discussions and applied research in Intercultural Dialogue, multiculturalism and diversity.

Mike is also a member of the UK National Cohesion Forum.

Speaking about his appointment, Mike Hardy said:

I am thrilled to be joining the team at iCoCo. In such a relatively short time, they have established themselves as a highly respected think-tank in matters relating to community cohesion. The breadth of their research and collaborative work with local communities, Government agencies and local government associations continues to grow and I am looking forward to the challenge of developing iCoCo further.

Mike was awarded the OBE in 2001 for his work in the Middle East, and was appointed a Companion of Honour of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, 2010 for his work internationally in Intercultural Dialogue.

For further information, contact Ali Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer on +44 (0)24 7688 8245.