He joins a group of leading figures from a range of sectors, selected to help strengthen the UK’s overseas business networks and promote the UK on the international stage.
Mr Bean (pictured) has been invited to join the Prime Minister on several overseas trade delegations, the latest being to China in December last year.
His appointment as a Business Ambassador means he will have a role in promoting the UK abroad and raising the country’s reputation as a place to do business.
Mr Bean, who has been OU Vice-Chancellor since 2009, said:
“I am proud that The Open University enables students from all walks of life to realise their potential. UK Higher Education is the best in the world and is worth over £11 billion to our economy.
“This appointment is not only an honour but also a great opportunity for me to show the world what UK higher education can do to transform lives, drive innovation and build the workforce of today and tomorrow.”
