Robin Back Ph.D. CV

Expertise: Wine business, wine tourism, agritourism, gastronomy tourism, special event tourism, online marketing, consumer behavior, leadership

Robin M. Back, Ph.D., Interim Chair of the Department of Foodservice & Lodging Management, Associate Professor, Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida

Dr. Robin Back is an Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Foodservice & Lodging Management, with over 25 years of experience in the retail, travel and tourism, and food and beverage industries in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and the United States. He holds a PhD in Management from the University of Massachusetts, a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey, a Bachelor’s degree in Institutional Management from London Metropolitan University, and a Certificate in Internet Technologies from New York University.

Dr. Back’s experience includes management positions with companies such as Harvey Nichols of London, Avis Rent-a-Car, and Budget Rent-a-Car International, as well as extensive experience in wine and beer sales, marketing, brand management, and education. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, and his professional memberships include the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education, the Society of Wine Educators, and the American Association of Wine Economists.

Dr. Back has authored journal articles for several top academic journals in his field and has presented research papers at many international conferences. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, and the Journal of Vacation Marketing, and serves as a reviewer for a number of respected academic journals. His research interests are in the area of consumer behavior and marketing, with a primary focus on wine tourism within the greater context of gastronomy tourism, and the wine industry in general. Dr. Back teaches a variety of beverage-related courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and brings his extensive industry experience and a truly global perspective to his classes.