Maria Ilieva

Maria Ilieva is a Lecturer in International Business at Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, where she joined in September 2022. She previously held academic positions in Japan, including as a Specially Appointed Lecturer at Osaka City University (now Osaka Metropolitan University) and as a part-time Lecturer at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies until August 2022. She is actively involved in international academic communities, particularly through the Academy of International Business (AIB).

Education:

• PhD in Business Administration, Osaka City University, Japan
• Master's degree in Human Resource Management, UNWE, Bulgaria
• Master's degree in Insurance and Social Protection, UNWE, Bulgaria
• Bachelor's degree in Insurance and Social Protection, UNWE, Bulgaria

Maria's research focuses on sustainability and CSR at the intersection of international business and corporate governance. Her teaching emphasizes responsible leadership and sustainability, with innovative practices adopted internationally. She has delivered guest lectures in Peru and Jamaica and contributed to a forthcoming book chapter on sustainable teaching practices. Her academic service includes editorial roles and conference organization.

Maria is actively engaged in professional service and academic leadership. She serves as Communications Officer for the AIB Sustainability SIG and as an Executive Board Member of the AIB Oceania Chapter. She is the Social Media Editor for the journal Critical Perspectives on International Business (CPoIB) and Guest Editor for a special issue at AD-Minister. She has been nominated as an external examiner at Manchester Metropolitan University and has served as track and session chair at major international conferences including AIB and ICGS.

Scientific Awards:

• 8th Okamura Award 2021 for Female Researcher, Osaka City University
• Best Reviewer Award at AIB 2020 conference

Maria has extensive experience in peer review, conference presentations, and academic mentoring. She has reviewed for top journals such as CPoIB, Management Decision, and AD-Minister, and has participated in doctoral workshops and early career development programs. She is also involved in curriculum innovation and has shared her teaching methods internationally through webinars and panels.

Maria contributes to several research groups, including the Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL). She is also affiliated with multiple professional organizations such as the Academy of International Business, Association of Japanese Business Studies, and the International Corporate Governance Society.