It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dr Stephen Lyne who on 28 September 2024.

Steve, who began working at Bristol in 1979, was a Senior Lecturer in Accounting and the inaugural Head of School of Economics, Finance and Management (EFiM) from 2003 to 2014 and a Senior Academic Fellow from 2014 to 2016.

Steve studied Economics and Accounting at Bristol between 1972 and 1976, and after graduating he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London. Not only did Bristol make an impression on Steve, but he also impressed his lecturers. In particular Don Egginton, who taught Steve as an undergraduate, strongly supported his application for a lectureship, and he returned to the Department of Economics as a lecturer in accounting in 1979.

Steve completed his PhD thesis entitled ‘The role and perception of company budgets' under the Don’s supervision in 1990, and he continued to study the nature and consequences of management accounting techniques for the remainder of his career. His expertise in researching this area, combined with his patience and insight, set him in good stead for his future role as Head of EFiM at a time of significant growth in all three constituent departments.

Steve’s contributions to EFiM were transformative. He played a crucial role in the school’s growth in his 11 years as Head, during which it more than trebled in size, leading in large part to what has now become the University of Bristol Business School.

In addition to his academic and leadership contributions, Steve was a generous mentor and friend. His attention to detail, coupled with his generosity and kindness, left a lasting impression on all who worked with him. Known for his warmth and patience, Steve steered the school through difficult times and his Christian faith shaped his sense of what truly mattered in life.

Steve’s work also went beyond the University of Bristol. Together with colleagues from the University of the West of England, he co-founded the Bristol Centre for Management Accounting Research (BRICMAR) and led research into ‘Beyond Budgeting’, contributing to significant advancements in management accounting.

Steve’s colleagues remember him as an engaging lecturer, an excellent administrator, and a leader who was both strong and compassionate. He was known for supporting his colleagues during difficult times, and his generosity and kindness were felt by all.

Despite his congested diary, Steve remained approachable, always prioritising the wellbeing of those around him. He leaves behind a rich legacy at Bristol as a transformative leader, a friend, mentor and colleague to many. His loss will be most acutely felt by his wife, Jenny, his children and his grandchildren.