As the University of Guelph searches for a dean of its newly named Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, an interim dean has been appointed.

Sara Mann, currently a professor in the Department of Management and the Lang School’s associate dean (academic), will serve as interim dean until the position is permanently filled; Mann will also continue her appointment as associate dean (academic).

Julia Christensen Hughes will complete a 10-year term as dean June 30.

“Prof. Mann will work closely together with Prof. Christensen Hughes to ensure a smooth transition as the search for the new dean continues,” said Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic).

“I am pleased that Sara has agreed to take on this role and look forward to working with her as part of the senior leadership team.”

In making the announcement, Yates thanked Christensen Hughes for her decade’s worth of service and leadership as dean. Christensen Hughes was appointed dean in 2009 and reappointed in 2014.

Mann studies organizational behaviour and strategic human resource management.

She completed a bachelor of commerce and an MBA at McMaster University, and a PhD in the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Previously, she was a supply chain analyst for Kraft Foods and Stelco Inc.