Kurt April

My Resume

Kurt holds a doctoral degree in Economics & IT Strategy (Ph.D), Certificate in Japanese Production (Cert.), Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA), Masters degree in Electronic Engineering (MSc(ElecEng)), Higher Diploma in Education (HDE), Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering (BSc(ElecEng)), National Trade Test Certificate (ElecMech), National Diploma in Electronic Engineering (NDip(EE)), National Diploma in Logic Systems (NDip(LS)) completed at the University of Cape Town (South Africa), University of Oxford (UK), Wingfield College (South Africa) and AOTS Nagoya (Japan). He has published 248 academic articles/book chapters/conference papers/reports/op-eds/dissertations, and written 12 books.

Prof. Kurt April, PhD is the Endowed Allan Gray Chair and Director of the Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership (Chair since 2017), specialising in Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town (South Africa, 1998-present), and is Adjunct Faculty of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (United Kingdom, 2000-present).

Previously, he was Orchestrator/Faculty Member for DukeCE, Duke University (United States of America, 2008-2022), Research Fellow of Ashridge Business School (United Kingdom, 2004-2016), Visiting Professor at London Metropolitan University (United Kingdom, 2014-2017), Visiting Professor at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (Netherlands, 2001-2013), and Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Economics and Econometrics, University of Amsterdam UvA, (Netherlands, 2004-2007).

Outside of academia, Kurt is the Managing Partner of LICM Consulting (South Africa, 2001-present), Managing Director: Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion Practice at Oxford Acuity (Singapore, 2019-present), Shareholder and Director of Achievement Awards Group (South Africa, 2007-present), Shareholder of BountiXP (South Africa, 2019-present), as well as Ambassador of the global Unashamedly Ethical movement (2016-present). He plays a range of roles and consults to many companies and organisations around the globe, having worked in 24 countries.

EDUCATION

1998-2004
UCT & Oxford

PhD (Economics & IT Strategy)

  • University of Oxford, UK, 1998-1999 (full-time)
  • University of Cape Town, SA, Jan 2000-Aug 2004 (part-time)
Mar 2001-Apr 2001 (full-time)
AOTS, Nagoya (Japan)

Certificate (Japanese Production)

Jan 1997-Dec 1997 (full-time)
University of Cape Town, SA

MBA, University of Cape Town, SA

Jan 1995-Jun 1996 (part-time)
University of Cape Town, SA

MSc(Eng) (Electronic Engineering)

Jan 1990-Dec 1994 (full-time)
University of Cape Town, SA

BSc(Eng) (Electrical Engineering)

Jan 1988-Dec 1988 (full-time)
University of Cape Town, SA

Higher Diploma in Education (HDE)

June 1986
Olifantsfontein Trade Test Centre

National Trade Test Certificate (Electronic Mechanician)

Jan 1983-May 1986 (part-time)
Wingfield College

National N6 Diploma (Electronics)

Jan 1983-Sep 1986 (part-time)
Wingfield College

National N6 Diploma (Logic Systems)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION:

  • Leadership, Personal Mastery & Resilience
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
  • Gender & Intersectionality
  • Cross-Cultural & Cultural Intelligence Work
  • Values & Purpose
  • Narrative Inquiry, Storytelling 
  • Identity & Precarious Work
  • Dialogue, Feedback & Communication

KEY COMPETENCIES:

  • Global and Local Board Experience (Executive, Non-Executive and Advisory)
  • Globally-Experienced Consultant
  • Entrepreneur & Business Owner
  • Editorial Board Experience & Reviewer for Academic Journals & Publishers
  • Lecturer, Researcher & Facilitator
  • External Examiner for other Universities

CAREER HISTORY

1983-2023

  • Director and Chaired Professor (Chair as of 2017) of the Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town (South Africa), Feb 1998-present.
  • Managing Director: Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion Practice, Oxford Acuity (Singapore), Jun 2019-present.
  • Shareholder-Executive Director, Achievement Awards Group, Westlake, Cape Town (South Africa), Mar 2017-present (previously Non-Executive Director Dec 2007-2017).
  • Shareholder & Managing Partner, LICM Consulting, Constantia, Cape Town (South Africa), Feb 2001-present.
  • International Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council Member (Chairman, as of 2010-2019), Novartis International AG, Basel (Switzerland), Apr 2006-Jul 2019.
  • Non-Executive Director, International School of Cape Town (owned by Education Development Trust UK), Cape Town (South Africa), Jan 2013-Jun 2019.
  • Non-Executive Director, Power Group, Blackheath, Cape Town (South Africa), Jan 2012-Jun 2018.
  • Shareholder-Director, Helderview BMW, Somerset West, Cape Town (South Africa), Feb 2010-Jul 2016.
  • Global Agenda Council Member (Talent & Diversity), World Economic Forum, Geneva (Switzerland), Aug 2009-Jun 2013.
  • Non-Executive Director, Cornerstone Institute, Cape Town (South Africa), Aug 2010-Jun 2011.
  • Head of the International Advisory Faculty, Pacesetters Programme (Diversity & Inclusion), National Health Service (NHS), London (UK), Jan 2007-Dec 2009.
  • Director, Performance Through Inclusion SA, Plumstead, Cape Town (South Africa), Oct 2006-Jan 2009.
  • Executive Editor & Advisory Board Member, Axius Publishing (Journal for Convergence), Parkwood, Johannesburg (South Africa), Mar 2003-Dec 2008.
  • Owner-Director, Complex Adaptive Systems, Observatory, Cape Town (South Africa), Dec 2003-Apr 2006.
  • Research & Design Engineering Manager of Naval Electronic Systems, Institute for Maritime Technology (IMT), Simonstown, Cape Town (South Africa), Feb 1996-Jan 1997.
  • Process Computing Engineer in Nuclear Engineering, Eskom: Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Duynefontein (South Africa), Oct 1995-Jan 1996.
  • Engineering Manager, Transnet: Spoornet & Metro Rail, Kimberley & Cape Town (South Africa), Jan 1995-Sep 1995.
  • Restaurant Manager, Golden Spur & Cincinnati Spur, Newlands & Pinelands, Cape Town (South Africa), Jul 1989-Feb 1990 & Dec 1988-Mar 1989.
  • High-School Teacher, Fairmount High School, Grassy Park, Cape Town (South Africa), Apr 1989-Jul 1989.
  • AudioVisual Technician, Katz International (KIC), Waterfront, Cape Town (South Africa), Oct 1987-Dec 1987.
  • Electronic Technician, Radio Autosonic, Cape Town (South Africa), Oct 1986-Sep 1987.
  • Electronic Mechanician Artisan and Apprentice, SA Naval Dockyard, Simonstown (South Africa), Jan 1983-Oct 1986.

CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

  • FMCG: SABMiller (Global); Edrington (UK); Kelloggs (UK); Pioneer (SA); National Brands (SA); AVI (SA).
  • MEDIA/ TV: MNET Supersport (SA); Independent Newspapers (SA); Multichoice (Global).
  • TECHNOLOGY: Bosch (Germany); MTC (Namibia); Etisalat (UAE); Nokia (Finland); Oracle (UK); MTN (SA); Microsoft (SA); Ixchange (SA); Emerald Technology (SA).
  • RETAIL: Metro (Germany); Wooltru – Woolworths-Truworths (SA).
  • TRANSPORT: Lufthansa (Germany); Dutch Railways (Netherlands); MAN / VW (Germany).
  • ENERGY: Petronas (Malaysia); Shell (Netherlands/UK); RWE (Germany); BP (SA); Innogy (UK); Engen (SA).
  • HEALTHCARE: NHS (UK); Novo Nordisk (Denmark); J&J (Global); Sandoz (Switzerland); Bayer (Germany); Novartis (Switzerland); Scottish Health Exec (UK); Discovery / AIA (Global); Beiersdorf (SA).
  • FINANCIAL SERVICES: ANZ Bank (Australia); Zurich (UK); ABN AMRO (Netherlands); First Rand (SA); Absa (Africa); Standard Bank (Global); Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore / UK); Woolworths Financial Services (SA).
  • MINING: Anglogold Ashanti (Africa); NamDeb (Namibia); Debswana (Botswana); De Beers (SA / Namibia); Impala Platinum (SA).
  • HOSPITALITY: Marriott / Starwood Hotels (Global); Arabella-Sheraton Group (SA); Sun International (SA).
  • CONSTRUCTION / BUILDING: LafargeHolcim (Switzerland); Fletcher Insulation (Australia); Granbuild (SA); Power Group (SA); NMC (SA).
  • CONSULTING SERVICES: IBM (Global); Performance through Inclusion (UK); Neurozone (SA); Gaiasoft (UK); Aephoria (SA); ICap (SA); IQ Group (SA); IRG (SA).
  • EDUCATION: DukeCE (Global); University of Oxford (UK); University of Toronto (Canada); Cranfield University (UK); HEC Paris (France); Morehouse College (USA); Kellogg Business School (USA); GIBS (SA); University of Stellenbosch (SA); University of Witwatersrand (SA); IMD-RSM (Switzerland-Netherlands); Maastricht University (Netherlands); London Metropolitan University (UK); Ashridge-Hult Business School (UK); Rhodes College (USA); University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (USA); Michigan State University (USA); De Baak (Netherlands).
  • PUBLIC SECTOR: Dutch Police Service (Netherlands); Dubai Government (UAE); Prime Minister's Office (Namibia); CSIR (SA); INSETA (SA).

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (UK), 2009-present
  • Member of the Academy of Management (USA), 1998-present
  • Senior Member of the Community of Science (USA), 2003-present
  • Member of the Africa Academy of Management (AFAM) (USA), 2014-present
  • Member of the International Leadership Association (ILA) (USA), 2019-present
  • Member of the American Psychological Association (USA), 2023-present
  • Member of d&I Leaders (UK), 2023-present
  • Member of the DEI Club (Denmark), 2023-present

INDUSTRY SKILLS

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training & Facilitation 
  • Leadership Development
  • Management Consulting
  • Change Management
  • Strategy Development
  • Organisational Development
  • Cross-Cultural Work
  • Team Building
  • Coaching
  • Public Speaking
  • Research
  • Lecturing

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

  • Emotional Maturity 
  • Networking
  • Team Leadership
  • Management
  • Planning
  • Analysis
  • Storytelling
  • Public Speaking

Editorial & Journal Work

Oct 2022-present, Journal of Tropical Futures: Sustainable Business, Governance & Development (SAGE & James Cook University, Singapore)

Editorial Board Member

 

May 2022-present, specifically for books on ‘Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization in Business’ (Palgrave Macmillan-Springer Nature, USA)

Series Editorial Board Member

 

Aug 2020-present, Design Science (Cambridge University Press, UK) (impact factor: 3.19)

Associate Editor

Jul 2018-present, European Management Review (UK) (impact factor: 2.33)

Editorial Board Member

2015-present, Good Governance, Ethics & Leadership (UK)

Editorial Board Member 

2014-present, Africa Journal of Management (USA) (impact factor: 1.61)

Founding Editorial Review Board Member

Jan 2014-Jun 2018, European Management Review (UK) (impact factor: 2.33)

Associate Editor

2008-2019, Annual Review of High-Performance Coaching & Consulting (UK)

Editorial Board Member

2009-2011, Equal Opportunities International (UK), currently published as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – An International Journal (impact factor: 1.27)

Editorial Board Member

2009-2013, International Journal of Information Systems & Social Change (USA)

Editorial Board Member

2008-2012, South African Journal of Business Management (South Africa) (impact factor: 0.675)

Editorial Board Member

2003-2008, Journal for Convergence (South Africa)

Chief Editor

2022-present, International Journal of Management Reviews (UK) (impact factor: 13.42)

Reviewer

 

2022-present, The Journal of Black Psychology (USA) (impact factor: 3.681)

Reviewer

 

2022-present, Social Identities: Journal for the Study of Race, Nation and Culture (UK) (impact factor: 1.13)

Reviewer

 

2020-present, Frontiers in Psychology (Organizational Psychology) (Switzerland) (impact factor: 2.990)

Reviewer

2020-present, Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies (UK) (impact factor: 0.12)

Reviewer

2016-present, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – An International Journal (UK) (impact factor: 1.27)

Reviewer

 

2015-present, South African Journal of Business Management (South Africa) (impact factor: 0.675)

Reviewer

2014-present, Journal of Managerial Psychology (UK) (impact factor: 3.30)

Reviewer

2004-present, Academy of Management Journal (USA) (impact factor: 9.13)

Reviewer

2011-2014, British Journal of Management (UK) (impact factor: 6.10)

Editorial Board Member

2007-2013, Journal of Management Education (USA) (impact factor: 2.08)

Editorial Board Member

Previously, Management Learning (impact factor: 4.18)

Book Reviewer

Previously, Emerald (UK)

Book Reviewer

 

Previously, Financial Times (UK)

Book Reviewer

Academic Experience

1998-present, University of Cape Town (South Africa): Graduate School of Business 

Allan Gray Chair, Director of the Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership, and Professor of Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion

 

2000-present, University of Oxford (England, UK): Saïd Business School (and previously Templeton College) 

Adjunct Faculty (2019-present), and as an Associate Fellow (2000-2018) 

 

2008-present, Duke University (USA): Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE) 

Faculty Member and Orchestrator

 

2014-2017, London Metropolitan University (UK)

Visiting Professor

 

2004-2016, Ashridge Business School (UK)

Research Fellow

 

2001-2013, Erasmus University (Netherlands): Rotterdam School of Management 

Visiting Professor

 

2008-2008, The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) (South Africa)

Visiting Professor

 

2004-2007, University of Amsterdam UvA (Netherlands): Faculty of Economics & Econometrics

Visiting Professor

 

2004-2007, De Baak Institute (Netherlands): De Baak 

Guest Lecturer

 

2005-2006, IMD (Switzerland): Partnership Programs with Rotterdam School of Management 

Guest Lecturer

 

2004-2006, University of Witwatersrand (South Africa): Witwatersrand Business School 

Guest Lecturer

 

2006-2006, Stellenbosch University (South Africa): Stellenbosch Business School 

Guest Lecturer

 

2005-2005, Maastricht University (Netherlands): Universiteit Maastricht Business School 

Guest Lecturer

Other teaching experience:

2019-present, University of Cape Town (South Africa) – Leading in a Technical Environment – Engineers, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of Cape Town

 

2018-present, Rhodes College, Memphis (USA) – Diversity & Inclusion: South African Practice – Psychology Majors, South African Tour

 

2017-present, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (UK) – Values-Based Leadership – Inclusive Business in Africa, Executive MBA South African Module

 

2013-present, HEC Paris (France) – Creating Inclusive Work Environments – Reinventing Business in Emerging Markets, South African Module

 

2019, University of Toronto (Canada) – Diversity & Inclusion – South African Tour

 

2008-2014, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (USA) – Responsible Leadership – One MBA Tour, while visiting South Africa each year

 

2007-2013, Northwestern University, Kellogg Business School (USA) – Leading from One’s Own Story – MBA GIM Tour, while visiting Southern Africa each year

 

2007-2007, Michigan State University (USA) – Leadership Issues in South Africa – Cape Town Entrepreneurship Tour

 

2006-2012, African Leadership Institute (ALI, South Africa) – Leadership; Diversity & Inclusion

 

2000-2003, Anglo Maccauvlei Learning Academy (South Africa) – Leadership; Knowledge Management

 

2000-2001, Kagiso Leadership School (South Africa) – Leadership

 

Non-Academic Experience (Experience in Industry and Business):

Jun 2019-present, Oxford Acuity (Singapore)

Managing Director: Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion Practice

 

Jul 2018-present, bountiXP (Westlake, South Africa)

Shareholder/Director

 

Mar 2017-present, Achievement Awards Group (Westlake, South Africa)

Shareholder/Director (previously only a Non-Executive Director Dec 2007-2017)

Feb 2001-present, LICM Consulting (Constantia, South Africa)

Shareholder/Managing Partner

 

Apr 2006-Jul 2019, Novartis International AG (Basel, Switzerland)

International Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council Member (Chairperson, as of 2010)

 

Jan 2013-Jun 2019, International School of Cape Town (owned by Education Development Trust UK) (Wynberg, South Africa)

Non-Executive Director

 

Jan 2012-Jun 2018, Power Group – Construction & Property Development (Blackheath, South Africa)

Non-Executive Director

 

Feb 2010-Jul 2016, Helderview BMW (Somerset West, South Africa)

Shareholder/Director

 

Aug 2009-Jun 2013, World Economic Forum (WEF) (Geneva, Switzerland)

Global Agenda Council Member (Talent & Diversity)

 

Aug 2010-Jun 2011, Cornerstone Institute of Higher Education (Claremont, South Africa)

Non-Executive Director

 

Jan 2007-Dec 2009, National Health Service (NHS) (London, UK)

Head of the International Advisory Faculty, Pacesetters Programme (Diversity & Inclusion)

 

Oct 2006-Jan 2009, Performance Through Inclusion SA (Plumstead, South Africa)

Director

 

Mar 2003-Dec 2008, Axius Publishing (Journal for Convergence) (Parkwood Jhb, South Africa)

Chief Editor & Advisory Board Member

 

Dec 2003-Apr 2006, Complex Adaptive Systems (Observatory, South Africa)

Owner/Director

 

Feb 1996-Jan 1997, Institute for Maritime Technology (IMT) (Simonstown, South Africa)

Research & Design Engineering Manager (Naval Electronic Systems)

 

Oct 1995-Jan 1996, Eskom: Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (Duynefontein, South Africa)

Computing Engineer in Nuclear Engineering

 

Jan 1995-Sep 1995, Transnet: Spoornet & Metro Rail (Kimberley & Cape Town, South Africa)

Regional Engineering Manager

 

Jul 1989-Feb 1990 & Dec 1988-Mar 1989, Golden Spur & Cincinnati Spur (Newlands & Pinelands)

Restaurant Manager

 

Apr 1989-Jul 1989, Fairmount High School (Grassy Park, South Africa)

High School Teacher (Maths & Science)

 

Oct 1987-Dec 1987, Katz International Corporation (KIC) (Waterfront, South Africa)

Audio-Visual Technician

 

Oct 1986-Sep 1987, Radio Autosonic (Cape Town, South Africa)

Electronic Technician

 

Oct 1986-Sep 1987, SA Naval Dockyard (Simonstown, South Africa)

Electronic Mechanician Artisan & Apprentice

My Resume
My Publications
My Consulting
My Books
Contact Me

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.