Reader (Associate Professor) Roya Rahimi

Roya is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Marketing and Leisure Management at the University of Wolverhampton and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, recognized for her impactful contributions in both academia and industry.

With a career marked by roles as lecturer, researcher, leader, and mentor, Roya has advanced academic excellence and collaboration. In 2022, Roya established and now leads the Marketing Research Hub within the Business School, supporting a dynamic team of marketing researchers and spearheading interdisciplinary projects. She also serves as Research Capacity Developer for the British Academy of Management’s Marketing and Retail Special Interest Group. Additionally, she founded and directs the Visiting Scholar Scheme, which has welcomed over 50 scholars globally, fostering valuable collaborations and generating significant income.

In her research leadership roles, Roya has reshaped the school’s research strategy, supporting an equality and diversity action plan that has increased the representation of female scholars. She serves on editorial boards, including as Associate Editor of Tourism and Hospitality Insight and Book Reviews Editor for the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, with past roles on Tourism Management Perspectives and Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights.

Roya has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals and edited six books. Her research interests span digital capacity development, consumer behaviour, customer relationship management, big data and artificial intelligence, and sustainable marketing within tourism and hospitality.

With more than eight years of mentorship experience, including roles with the Council for At-Risk Academics Program and the British Academy Researcher Network, Roya is committed to supporting the professional and academic growth of scholars worldwide.