A journey through BU’s transformation

Mark Roberts

Mark Roberts began his studies when the institution was still the Dorset Institute, experiencing its transition to Bournemouth Polytechnic and finally Bournemouth University. Drawn by BU’s strong reputation for industry‑aligned education, he chose Information Systems Management for its blend of technology and leadership—equipping him for the increasing importance of technology across organisations.

People and opportunities that shaped the experience

For Mark, the people he met were the highlight of his BU journey. Lifelong connections with fellow students and lecturers remain central to his memories. His course emphasised teamwork, immersive simulations, and practical problem‑solving, preparing students to operate as consultants addressing genuine business challenges.
A placement year further enriched his real‑world understanding.

Sport was another defining part of his university life. Mark played in BU’s Rugby team throughout his studies, captained the squad twice, won multiple titles, and represented England Colleges. The sudden passing of his teammate and vice‑captain, Phil Evans, became a pivotal moment. This inspired Mark to run for Student Union President—a role he secured for the 1993/94 academic year. His leadership helped secure the conversion of the former Fire Station into a dedicated Student Union venue, one of several lasting achievements.

A career marked by curiosity, adaptability, and impact

Mark’s professional journey is wide‑ranging and global. After graduating, he joined Intel during the early growth of the internet, contributing to some of the company’s first web‑based projects. He later helped launch the online bookstore BOL.UK for Bertelsmann before returning to Intel to work in mergers and acquisitions.

After earning an MBA from the University of Bath, Mark moved into supply chain and procurement leadership roles at Vodafone, Anheuser‑Busch InBev in Belgium, and later the UK Cabinet Office—where he became the first Continuous Improvement Director in the Government Commercial Function.

In 2019, he joined the Metropolitan Police as Commercial Services Director. His team was internationally recognised for their role in COVID‑19 response efforts, including collaborating with London brewers to produce hand sanitiser. Remarkably, Mark is the only living person to have led the Met Police commercial team through both a State Funeral and a Coronation.
In 2024, he joined Jaggaer to lead their Public Sector business.

What drives him

Mark values variety, autonomy, and the chance to solve complex problems. His career has taken him around the world, exposing him to diverse cultures and approaches. One of his strongest commitments is supporting emerging talent. As someone from a working‑class background and the first in his family to attend university, he is passionate about helping others realise their potential.

Advice for future students

Mark encourages students to cultivate curiosity—the often‑overlooked skill that fuels learning and creates opportunity. Combined with self‑motivation and discipline, he believes curiosity can give anyone a lasting advantage in their career and personal development.