LUSEM has appointed its first Professor of Practice, Laurence Mott. Through this new role, Laurence will provide strategic advice to LUSEM’s leadership and contribute to the work of the International Advisory Board. He will also engage with students through lectures, and help strengthen the connections with business and society at large.
Laurence brings more than 30 years of international experience, including a long career at Tetra Pak in Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland where he worked between 2001 and February 2025. During his time at Tetra Pak, he held positions such as Director of Engineering, Platform Vice President, and most recently served as Executive Vice President Development & Technology based in Switzerland. Prior to joining joining Tetra Pak, he held positions at Perstorp Speciality Chemicals in Sweden and The BioComposites Centre in the UK.
Laurence holds a BSc and MSc in Materials Technologies, and earned his PhD in fibre science and micromechanics from the University of Maine, where he also held a postdoctoral position.
Already well acquainted with LUSEM
Laurence is already well acquainted with LUSEM and Lund, having worked closely with the Univeristy for many years, including several guest lectures. As of January this year, he was also appointed to the High Level Industrial Forum at the European Spallation Source (ESS).
What are his own thoughts on the role — and on what he can contribute to LUSEM in terms of new perspectives and knowledge?
What he hopes to contribute is a perspective on the kinds of challenges and choices students are likely to encounter when they enter the workforce. With both an academic background and senior executive experience, as well as serving as a non-executive director on several boards, he brings valuable insight into how companies operate — a perspective he is eager to share.
”I hope I can add some outside-in and industrial perspective in the International Advisory Board and help strengthen industrial relations both locally and abroad,” Laurence says.
And finally, how does Laurence feel on a more personal level about this new appointment and what it brings?
”It is of course, very exciting! I’ve really enjoyed working with the University and LUSEM, especially the teaching and lecturing. I believe we are already strengthening the industry–academia relations. I like the energy that comes from working with faculty and students.”
”His engagement will enrich both our students’ learning environment and our strategic dialogue.”
Commenting on the significance of the appointment, LUSEM's Dean Joakim Gullstrand says:
”By appointing Laurence Mott as our first Professor of Practice, we take an important step in strengthening the bridge between academia and industry. Laurence brings deep international experience and a sharp understanding of innovation and leadership in complex organisations. His engagement will enrich both our students’ learning environment and our strategic dialogue.”
LUSEM welcomes Laurence and look forward to working together and developing this collaboration further.