Tony Evans, who took the reins at the BAC last week, said that he is “delighted” to join the organisation. As former Director of Language Programmes for INTO University Partnerships and Principal of St Giles London Central, he has more than 20 years’ industry experience, predominantly in the ELT sector.

Evans is also a longstanding member of English UK’s Accreditation and Professional Services Board.

“I am passionate about education and about quality standards in education, and as such I believe voluntary accreditation schemes have a vital role to play,” he said.

“Not only do they encourage member institutions to aim higher, but they promote greater transparency with respect to the general public.”

“I believe voluntary accreditation schemes have a vital role to play”

Meanwhile, long-standing ELT provider Bell is looking forward to welcoming Greg Hoile, another industry veteran, as its new Chief Executive before the end of April 2014.

Hoile joins Bell from Obeikan Education, which worked with Bell to deliver the largest English language teaching project in the world at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia.

His extensive experience in international education includes setting up and running an English language school in Italy, establishing international sales offices, and leading the operations of 30 international schools under the OISE brand.

Patrick McHugh, Bell’s chairman, said Hoile would help the company “drive forward an ambitious programme of growth”.

“Greg’s extensive and varied international education experience means that he has an in-depth understanding of customers’ educational needs and expectations,” he added. “This knowledge and experience is essential to our future success.”

Hoile will be based at the Bell HQ in Cambridge, and will  be instrumental in implementing Bell’s 2013-17 Strategic Plan. Key aims include developing Bell Cambridge as a provider of long-stay pre-university and gap year education and doubling turnover of Bell Young Learner business outside the summer peak season.