Professional Summary for Professor Tom van Laer
Professor Tom van Laer is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney Business School, Australia, recognized for his expertise in marketing, consumer behavior, and storytelling. With a focus on narrative persuasion and digital marketing, his work bridges academic research and practical applications, influencing both scholarly communities and industry practices.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor van Laer holds advanced degrees in marketing and related fields, equipping him with a robust foundation for his research and teaching career:
- PhD in Marketing, Maastricht University, Netherlands (2011)
- Master of Science in Marketing, Maastricht University, Netherlands
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Maastricht University, Netherlands
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Tom van Laer’s research primarily focuses on the power of storytelling in marketing, narrative transportation, and consumer psychology. His interests include:
- Narrative persuasion and the impact of stories on consumer behavior
- Digital marketing and social media influence
- Consumer engagement and experiential marketing
Career History and Appointments
Professor van Laer has held several prestigious academic positions across leading institutions, reflecting his growing influence in the field of marketing:
- Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Sydney Business School, Australia (2019–present)
- Senior Lecturer in Marketing, City, University of London, UK (2015–2019)
- Assistant Professor of Marketing, ESCP Europe Business School, London, UK (2012–2015)
- Research Fellow, Maastricht University, Netherlands (2007–2011)
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Tom van Laer has been recognized for his contributions to marketing research through various accolades:
- Best Paper Award, Journal of Interactive Marketing (2014)
- Outstanding Reviewer Award, Journal of Business Research (2018)
- Research Excellence Award, University of Sydney Business School (2020)
Key Publications
Professor van Laer has authored numerous influential papers and articles in top-tier journals, contributing significantly to the marketing and consumer behavior literature:
- van Laer, T., de Ruyter, K., Visconti, L. M., & Wetzels, M. (2014). 'The Extended Transportation-Imagery Model: A Meta-Analysis of the Antecedents and Consequences of Consumers’ Narrative Transportation.' Journal of Consumer Research.
- van Laer, T., Edson Escalas, J., Ludwig, S., & van den Hende, E. A. (2019). 'What Happens in Vegas Stays on TripAdvisor? A Theory and Technique to Understand Narrativity in Consumer Reviews.' Journal of Consumer Research.
- van Laer, T., & de Ruyter, K. (2010). 'In Stories We Trust: How Narrative Apologies Provide Cover for Competitive Vulnerability After Integrity-Violating Blog Posts.' International Journal of Research in Marketing.
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Tom van Laer’s research on narrative transportation and storytelling has had a profound impact on marketing scholarship, particularly in understanding how stories shape consumer perceptions and decision-making. His work is widely cited, and his frameworks, such as the Extended Transportation-Imagery Model, are used by academics and practitioners to design effective marketing strategies. His contributions to digital marketing research have also provided insights into online consumer behavior, influencing both academic discourse and industry practices.
Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions
Professor van Laer is actively involved in the academic community through various roles and engagements:
- Regular speaker at international marketing conferences, including the Association for Consumer Research (ACR) and European Marketing Academy (EMAC)
- Editorial Board Member, Journal of Business Research
- Ad Hoc Reviewer for journals such as Journal of Consumer Research and Journal of Marketing
- Member of the Research Committee, University of Sydney Business School