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Professor Ivan Robertson

Professor Ivan Robertson

Founder of Robertson Cooper

Ivan is a Founder of Robertson Cooper and Emeritus Professor of Work & Organisational Psychology at The University of Manchester. He previously held senior roles at the university including Head of Manchester School of Management and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (of UMIST).

After founding the company with Sir Cary Cooper, Ivan was Managing Director from 2002 until he handed over to our current MD, Ben Moss, in 2010. He has worked on consulting assignments across all sectors of the economy and across the world.

Ivan retains an active interest in leading edge wellbeing research and has published over 40 books and 200 scholarly articles and conference papers. He has held visiting posts in the USA, Singapore and Australia. Ivan’s books include: Wellbeing: Happiness and Productivity at Work (2011), Management and Happiness (2013) and Work Psychology (2016).

The Origin of Robertson Cooper: Pioneering Workplace Wellbeing

In 1999, Professors Ivan Robertson and Sir Cary Cooper co-founded Robertson Cooper with a bold vision in mind. At that time, the concept of wellbeing and mental health in the workplace was still in its infancy, with limited attention given to this critical aspect of employee experience. Recognising the importance of addressing wellbeing in organisations, the founders set out to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application.

Drawing upon their extensive expertise and research conducted at the University of Manchester and beyond, Robertson and Cooper aimed to transform workplaces by developing scientifically sound and validated products. Their vision went beyond traditional consulting models that relied solely on providing advice and services. Instead, they envisioned a new approach—one that would integrate psychological research findings into practical solutions, revolutionising how organisations approach employee wellbeing.

In addition to their commitment to advancing workplace wellbeing, Robertson and Cooper also sought to create opportunities for graduate students from the University of Manchester to apply their skills as practitioners. Over the years, Robertson Cooper has served as a launchpad for numerous Manchester graduates, providing them with valuable work experiences and allowing them to contribute to the field of workplace wellbeing.

With their pioneering spirit and dedication to making a tangible impact, Professors Ivan Robertson and Sir Cary Cooper laid the foundation for Robertson Cooper, setting the stage for the company’s ongoing mission to transform workplaces and foster a culture of wellbeing.