Chris Lewis 1944-2024

I met Chris in 1999, as a recent graduate looking for my first break.  Having been put through a thorough assessment process, I was thrilled to be recruited to his team. Though, to this day, I believe I got the job as I managed to find time during the process to talk to Chris about football and Charlton Athletic, his lifelong love and whose ground he was born next to.  

Fortunately for me, I got the opportunity to work with one of the greats. Not only did Chris shape my future, as he did for so many of us, but he became a great mentor and friend.

Chris began his academic career in 1971 at South Bank Polytechnic, moving to North-East London Polytechnic in 1974 where he headed the new Occupational Psychology Unit. Here, he was instrumental in setting up the MSc in Occupational Psychology. This was among the first of its kind and gained accreditation from the British Psychological Society. For over 20 years he remained at what became the University of East London, getting a generation of students through their degrees. 

Chris was also a key contributor to shaping the early accreditation route for Chartered Occupational Psychologists. During those years, he held the role of Chair of the Occupational Psychology Section, and then later Chair of the Division of Occupational Psychology, leading to his historical claim to fame that he was the only person to chair both Section and the Division.  

Chris authored many journal articles, conference papers, chapters and his own book, Employee Selection, in 1985.  He featured in radio and TV broadcasts and the press.    

Later, Chris was appointed Associate Professor of Occupational Psychology by Central University Ghana which he often visited, sometimes to deliver sell-out public lectures with his friend Professor Clive Fletcher. Clive would later be one of several psychologists who nominated Chris for his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Division of Occupational Psychology – which he proudly won in 2014. 

After academia, Chris started a successful consultancy, working on many high-profile projects, including heading the Civil Service Fast Stream Support team where, driven by his passion for equality, he implemented changes that would bring more diversity into the Civil Service. Chris was remarkably visionary and creative in his work, often thinking ahead of his time. 

Yet Chris's impact was much more than this.  He was renowned as an exceptional supervisor, creating a safe space for others to learn and bring their dilemmas, without any fear of judgement. A natural entertainer, Chris had an uncanny ability to bring the study of psychology to the real world. His lectures were impactful, great fun and could be depended on to liven up the day. Outside of psychology, Chris was also a talented musician and once performed the live entertainment at the DOP conference for us. He performed regularly in his local community; alongside many other significant contributions he made to his beloved hometown of St Ives. 

Chris achieved so much over his long career. Those of us privileged to have worked with him will fondly recall his quotes, anecdotes and methods of working. His influence lives on in us – remaining a guiding force both professionally and personally. Chris was a unique blend of fun, authority and accessibility. He will be greatly missed.