Alex Ede
BSc Mathematics with Psychology, 2008
Corporate Development Director, Morgan Advanced Materials
I’m now married with a baby son and hyperactive labradoodle. I live the outdoors and am a passionate cyclist, riding road and gravel as well as a few time trials. I used to compete in long-distance triathlon however cycling has now taken a focus! In 2019 I cycled the full Tour de France to raise awareness of the lack of equality in cycling and am passionate about encouraging others to get on their bike and enjoy the great outdoors. I enjoy trail running with my dog, swimming in rivers or lakes and traveling as much as I can.
This love for adventure and sport was born at Birmingham, trying out new sports and developing a love for pushing my boundaries. I’ve carried that through my life and to me it’s fundamental that any job allows me to follow these passions.
What does your job mean on a day-to-day basis?
I lead the process for divestments and acquisitions within our business, work with external advisors to source potential opportunities, and with our business strategy teams to determine the strategic focus and potential targets externally for acquisitions or internal divestments. I additionally lead projects within the Finance team as needed, recently running the global restructure programme for improved efficiencies across our business.
What’s the best thing about what you are doing now?
I gain a wide exposure across the business working with a wide variety of teams globally, enjoying different cultures and gaining perspectives of the business from differing roles, seniority and locations. My work is project based so I’m constantly changing focus, learning new skills and forging new connections internally and externally.
What made you interested in your current role?
I am involved in the strategic growth of the business with a great blend between internal development of the business and external market dynamics.
How has your career developed since graduating?
I began at Deloitte in London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the Transaction Services team, progressing within this team for six years before moving externally to take a Corporate Development role allowing me more input into the strategic growth. I then moved into strategy and ran an operational team rolling out, educating and managing key strategic growth. This allowed me to gain valuable management experience as well as wider marketing, systems and operational skills. This gave me the confidence, added skills and management experience to take a more senior lead role in Corporate Development.
What motivates you?
I work to live. I strongly believe in balance between work, family and hobbies. I work hard to allow me to enjoy my personal life and follow my passions outside of work. Working for a company that allowed me the time off to cycle the Tour de France and raise awareness for something I believe in, and who actively supported me, is fundamental to allowing me the balance I need to deliver my best in business as well as in my personal life. I am now a mum and want to show my son to work hard but love what he does. You don’t have to settle and there’s always a way to follow your passion.
Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?
I loved the campus set up of Birmingham and how green the campus felt for being a city university. It was also one of the few Unis offering the course I wanted!
What are your fondest memories of the University?
Living with an amazingly eclectic group of friends, the sports clubs and the social life. The Uni had such a homely feel and really allowed me to learn just who I was and wanted to be.
Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?
I was part of the rowing team, first learning to learn at Uni and winning many BUSA medals as well as making some great lifelong friends.
“Take every opportunity offered to you. Don’t question if you’re good enough, put your hand up, grab every experience, try that new sport and apply for that role you don’t think is achievable. Believe in yourself and the world will open up.”