EXPERTS with interests which range from the future of global energy demands to ways of controlling gangs and gun crime are joining an elite North-East business school.

Durham University Business School has announced three new appointments who are expected to boost its international reputation for teaching and research.

Professors Robert Lord, Tooraj Jamasb and Kiran Fernandes join the School as professors of leadership, energy economics and operations management, respectively.

Professor Robert Lord joins Durham University Business School as professor of leadership from the University of Akron, Ohio, where he was the distinguished professor of industrial and organisational psychology.

Prof Lord specialises in leadership behaviour with a focus on motivation and social perception. His teaching interests expand his recent research on the role of emotions in the work place.

The School's new professor of energy economics, Tooraj Jamasb previously served as the SIRE chair in energy economics at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

Prof Jamasb's research includes energy sector reforms, network regulation, technology and innovation, and energy issues in developing countries.

He has advised various energy regulators, international organisations and companies. His recent work investigates energy sectors in the EU, UK, Ireland and India and the future of global electricity demand.

Professor Kiran Fernandes comes to Durham from York Management School, where he acted as head of the operations management group and principal investigator of the York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis.

Prof Fernandes' expertise lies in modelling complex social and business domains ranging from operational processes to strategic decisions. His work has covered a wide range of fields, including construction, pharmaceutical, biotech, automotive and digital companies. His most recent research utilized modelling techniques to better understand gangs and their involvement in gun crime.

Professor Tom Redman, professor of human resource management and head of department of business and management, said: "We look forward to the valuable contributions of internationally recognised experts Professors Lord and Fernandes.

Professor Lord is a prolific leadership researcher and will be a key contributor to the leadership and followership centre. Professor Fernandes has worked closely with many leading UK and international companies and his industry insight will strengthen operations teaching and research at Durham University Business School."

Commenting on Professor Jamasb's appointment, Professor Richard Harris, head of accounting and finance and economics at Durham University Business School, said: "As the leading international expert in the area of energy economics, Professor Jamasb will work closely with the Energy Institute at the school and will provide valuable support in further building our existing research interests in the very important area."