Staffordshire University Associate Professor and Chair of Platform, Peter Rudge, has been invited to join the World Economic Forum (WEF) Expert Network of global thought leaders.

The WEF is not-for-profit organisation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland which brings together influential leaders from all over the world to help shape global, regional, and industry agendas, and effectuate positive change.

Members, who are invited through nomination, represent businesses, academic institutions, and government bodies that are among the world’s top innovators, disruptors, and regional champions – and who help their respective economies thrive and contribute to societal prosperity. Famous members include Sir David Attenborough, Sir Richard Branson,, and UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres.

A BAFTA member and named in the Creative England list of top 50 leaders and innovators, Peter has been leading the growth of the digital creative industries in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire through Platform, the region’s moving image cluster.

Peter said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been asked to join the WEF Expert Network and to have my voice heard amongst those of other global leaders from across industry, academia, government and civil society.

“It is such a fantastic opportunity to be a part of shaping our response to the significant challenges we face as a society – whether that’s here in Stoke on Trent or across the globe. I’m very much looking forward to meeting some of the other expert members and to being an active part of the WEF’s work both now and in the future.”

The WEF holds its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland where members and world leaders gather to contribute their expertise and thought leadership on the most important global issues and developments of our time.