Meet Dr Easton Simenti-Phiri, Lecturer in International Business and Strategy here at Salford Business School.
After being inspired by his university professors to pursue academia, his journey has been filled with achievements, from winning an award for his extensive research to progressing through the professional ladder.
Alongside his research projects, proud family man and avid community member who uses his expertise to nurture the next generation of business students.
In this blog, Easton reflects on his career journey, key milestones, and how he became the academic he is today.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
I was inspired by my former university professors to venture into academia. I had assumed that after attaining my postgraduate qualification, I would return to my former administrative work, but when an opportunity arose, I seized it with both hands and accepted to join academia as a part-time lecturer (visiting lecturer and researcher).
My motivation for joining academia was to help shape the next generation of business professionals and twelve years in, I’m still in academia.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
I did my postgraduate study at the University of Salford in 2005 and therefore coming back to the University felt like I was coming home.
It has a rich history and a reputation in the North-West and the country at large.
My current role aligns with my areas of expertise and the support system at the University is good for professional development and growth. For example, within one year of joining the University, I have been able to attend the Research Leadership Programme and Research Development Academy for professional development.
Two years on, I can confidently say that it was a right choice, both professionally and personally, to return to the University of Salford
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
The best thing about being an academic at Salford is how supportive the staff are. The University offers opportunities for professional growth and research development, networking and collaboration.
In all honesty, I enjoy my interactions with students who come from diverse backgrounds and that makes teaching increasingly rewarding as I contribute to global human capital development.
The bonus is being part of a positive work culture where colleagues genuinely collaborate. Working at Salford offers a perfect balance for academic rigour and a community that cares.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
After attaining my PhD at the University of Chester, I joined the University of Bolton where I worked as a Lecturer and rose to a Senior Lecturer. Later, I became a Programme Leader for MSc Project Management and taught on the Executive MBA programme.
While at the University of Bolton, I won a Teaching Intensive and Research Informed (TIRI) Award for research activity. I have carved out my research identity through research and scholarship which I have undertaken through collaborative work with colleagues both in the UK and abroad.
Here at the University of Salford, I’ve become an Independent Chair for Viva, a member of the Student Engagement Assessment Leads for the International Business and Strategy team and module leader on a number of programmes.
I have worked in academia for over twelve years, including two years at the University of Salford in Salford Business School.
What is your current research focused on?
My research interests are in the areas (but not limited to) political marketing and branding, international marketing, international business and strategy, and sustainability and green projects.
Do you have any published work we can read?
These are a few selected published works which I can outline for readership. These include:
- Determinants of effective participatory multi-actor climate change governance: Insights from Zambia’s environment and climate change actors. Journal of Environmental Science and Policy (2025).
- An Investigation into the State of Market Discipline for Basel II/III and Green banking disclosures in Zimbabwean banks: A Content Analysis approach. Journal of Finance (2022).
And finally, the all-important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
The Salford Museum coffee shop is a good place to go to. The coffee’s great, but it’s the staff who make it special – always friendly, welcoming, and ready with a smile. It’s a lovely place to take a break and recharge.