Dr Alessandro Merendino joined the Centre for Business in Society in 2015 after completing his PhD in corporate governance at the University of Ferrara (Italy) and his Master’s degree (cum laude and honours) in Business and Management at the Faculty of Economics (University of Ferrara, Italy). Prior to joining Coventry University, he worked as an accounting consultant and teaching professor at USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium), i.e. a consortium of US universities

His research interests lie in the area of corporate governance, the board of directors, top executive teams, conflicts, crisis, strategic decisions and big data in a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, mega-events, accountancy, e-businesses and mega yachts. He works with colleagues, companies, directors and institutions across the world, including Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the US. He applies both qualitative and quantitative methods to study the boardroom and its dynamics. 

Alessandro’s teaching expertise includes the topics of corporate governance, managerial finance, accounting and research methods, at undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and DBA level, both in the UK and overseas.

Alessandro is also a qualified chartered accountant in Italy and the UK.

Area of Expertise:

• Corporate Governance
• The Board of Directors
• Top Management Team
• Big Data
• Listed companies and large companies
• Mega Yacht Sector
• Accounting
• Decision-making process
• Firm Performance

My research interests lie in the area of corporate governance, the board of directors, the mega yacht sector, CSR and corporate finance. In particular, I am interested in studying how corporate governance, and the board of directors, its mechanisms and processes could affect firm performance and interactions among stakeholders. Corporate governance, including the board of directors, has become one of the central issues in the running of a company, due to worldwide and rapid change in environmental conditions. Furthermore, another of my research topics is the mega yacht sector and its ‘anti-cyclical nature’. Future research may deal with relations among luxury sectors (e.g. the jewellery one) and how board mechanisms perform on such niche markets.