Lou Cordwell OBE
Professor of Innovation & Special Advisor (Innovation & Regional Ecosystem) to The Office of the President & Vice Chancellor, University of ManchesterLou began her career working for WPP before founding Manchester-based digital design studio, magneticNorth (mN). In 2021, mN merged with Fluxx, creating the UK’s leading design and innovation consultancy, Magnetic, where Lou was Chief Creative Officer until 2023 when the company was acquired by Newton Europe.
Lou spent 2 years as Director of ID Manchester / Sister, where she led the project’s foundational phase including delivery of the Strategic Masterplan and new brand identity.
In January 2024 Lou joined the University of Manchester as a Professor of Innovation and Special Advisor to the President and Vice-Chancellor and co-authored the University’s Regional Innovation Review. This resulted in the launch of the University’s new innovation unit, Unit M and Lou stepped into the role of Unit M CEO at the end of 2024 to lead the team and its mission to help drive innovation-led growth for the region and the UK.
Lou also acts as an advisor to a number of other place based innovation projects and tech start-up / scale-up companies across the UK.
Alongside the day jobs, she is Chair of Greater Manchester’s Business Board (LEP) working in collaboration with Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Leaders to help drive the region’s economy.
Lou was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours for services to the creative and digital economy.
Latest News
Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki visits Greater Manchester ahead of Osaka EXPO 2025
From April 8 to April 9, Manchester welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki for a visit that celebrated the city’s longstanding and growing ties with Japan. Over the course of two days, Ambassador Suzuki engaged with key figures from Greater Manchester’s...
Stephen Young Named New Chief Executive of Salford City Council
Stephen Young, the current chief executive of Halton Council, has been appointed to take over as the chief executive of Salford City Council, succeeding Tom Stannard. Stannard departed at the end of January to join Manchester City Council, with Melissa Caslake...
Greater Manchester invests £10m to support Greater Manchester residents to live well
Leaders of the ten Greater Manchester local authorities have voted to support £10m of investment to help start the development of GM Live Well, Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available to residents in every neighbourhood. This...