SI-UK, UK. Tim Edwards joins SI-UK as chief marketing officer, having spent 18 years in global higher education marketing, most recently as CMO at QS Quacquarelli Symonds. Prior to this, Tim held various executive marketing and student recruitment roles at Shorelight, Navitas, and Cardiff University. Tim has a strong track record of elevating and evolving iconic higher education brands to ensure that they continue to drive superior engagement and remain ahead of their field. Most of all, Tim is people-focused with extensive experience in leading large, global marketing teams, enabling not just outstanding results but fun and creativity along the way. Tim is passionate about the role marketing and story-telling have to play in the student enrolment journey and, in particular, telling this story to an increasingly digitally savvy, sceptical Gen-Z audience.

SI-UK, UK. Rob Grimshaw has recently been appointed at SI-UK as its first CEO. Rob is an experienced CEO with a 15-year track record of leading businesses in the education, legal services and digital publishing sectors. Rob has spent the previous six years within education, transforming the ed tech company Tes Global and its then subsidiary, Times Higher Education & World University Rankings, by reshaping the business into a platform for various software services for schools and teachers. Whilst running FT.com, the digital division of the Financial Times, from 2008-2014, Rob developed a reputation for innovation, leading the introduction of a new business model that sparked rapid growth in revenues and subscribers. In his most recent role at Simply, he focused on supporting growth by optimising workflows and improving productivity and client service.

SOAS University of London, UK. Joanna Newman has joined SOAS University of London as provost, providing strategic leadership to enhance teaching and learning. Over the past six years as secretary general and chief executive of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Joanna navigated the organisation through a challenging time during the Covid pandemic, and led the implementation of a new strategic plan, which pinned the success of all 17 SDGs to the vital role that universities contribute to each one. Reiterating that both SOAS and the ACU share a similar ethos and values, Joanna said about her new role: “There has never been a more pressing need across the globe for the specialist knowledge and world class scholarship that SOAS possesses. As Provost I look forward to working with the SOAS community to realise its vision and strategy, and I couldn’t be more excited and honoured to take on this role and to have the opportunity to support world class teaching, learning and research in an institution with equity and diversity at its core.”

Meto, Global. Julie Moloney recently joined Meto as director of university initiatives, where she will manage Meto’s university partnerships spanning across the globe in order to connect international students with higher education opportunities. Julie was previously the director of international admissions at the University of Notre Dame and most recently a college counselor at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, an international and day boarding school. Julie is an active member of NACAC, International ACAC, and SACAC and has served on numerous committees for the organisations. She currently co-chairs the NACAC SIG Supporting International Students in the US. In joining Meto, Julie is proud to spread the transformative power of education and access to education for all students.

UK Languages Courses, UK.  UKLC has announced that Katya Bonello has joined its head office team. After many years in the industry, she is a well-known face to many of the agents at the company and has worked extensively in the Young Learners space. She has a teaching, operational and sales background which she has focused on for many years. Katya has been appointed as the company’s sales and marketing director and will be responsible for UKLC summer and year-round junior sales and is extremely excited to join such a great team. Of her new role, she also said: “I am delighted to have recently joined the esteemed UKLC team, renowned leaders and specialists in the education industry. It’s an honour to be part of this exceptional company and the warm and friendly team, and I’m genuinely proud to contribute to their mission. Looking forward to this incredible journey together.”

University of Liverpool, UK. The University of Liverpool has appointed Tariq Ali to the role of pro vice-chancellor for global engagement and partnerships – a new post which will lead the development of the institution’s global vision and strategy. Tariq is currently deputy pro-vice Chancellor for strategic partnerships at the University of Birmingham and acted as the vice-provost for research and innovation at the University of Birmingham Dubai. Tariq has established and developed important key relationships with stakeholders in business, government and academia in the UK, UAE and globally. Tariq said of his new role: “The University of Liverpool is an outstanding, ambitious institution with a very strong and comprehensive research and education portfolio. I am honoured and excited to join a fantastic team and to have the opportunity to help develop the University’s international partnerships and activities for local and global impact.”

Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK. Colin Riordan has been appointed as the ACU’s interim secretary general and chief executive. He has previously been Cardiff University’s president and vice-chancellor, and before joining Cardiff University, Colin worked as vice-chancellor of the University of Essex UK, having been appointed in 2007. Prior to this, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Newcastle University in the UK since 2005. He has published widely on post-war German literature and culture, including writing and editing books on the writers Jurek Becker, Uwe Johnson and Peter Schneider. Other research interests include the history of environmental ideas in German culture. Colin commented on his new role: “Having served as a member and vice-chair of the ACU’s Council I have seen first-hand how the work of the ACU and its members lifts lives across the Commonwealth and beyond. I am therefore delighted to be taking up the role of Interim Secretary General and Chief Executive and look forward to working closely with the ACU community to help realise its strategy and shared mission to build a better world through higher education.”

University of Warwick, UK. The University of Warwick has announced that Professor Michael Scott will be the new pro vice-chancellor (international). Michael will lead Warwick’s international strategy, covering Europe, China, Africa and North America, as well as Warwick’s relationship with Australia’s Monash University. The development of both new and existing markets for our international student recruitment will be another key area of focus. Michael believes passionately in making academic research as accessible as possible to a broad range of audiences, and has written and presented a wide range of television, radio and podcast series for channels in the UK, US and Australia. He was made an Honorary Citizen of Delphi, Greece in recognition of the global impact of his research and engagement. Commenting on his new role, Michael said: “I am honoured and delighted to be taking up the role… I am excited to collaborate with colleagues and partners at home and abroad to embed and extend our global standing and impact as we work together to solve the common challenges we face.”

London Metropolitan University, UK. Marcia Wilson is joining London Met as a VP for student experience. Marcia is a multiple award-winning academic leader and researcher who has pioneered programmes to address inequalities in the education sector. Her work has been used by Universities UK and London Higher in their initiatives aimed at tackling racism in higher education. Before her most recent role, as The Open University’s dean of equality, diversity and inclusion, Marcia spent more than a decade at the University of East London where she was the founding Dean of their Office for Institutional Equity, the first department of its kind in the UK and has been used by institutions across the country as the blueprint when planning their own interventions. Before founding the OIE at the University of East London, Marcia held various roles including head of the University’s School of Health, Sport and Bioscience and head of the Sport Science department. She spent 10 years studying and working in the USA. 

Global University Systems, Canada. Nosika Janbandhu has joined GUS as its representative for the GISMA University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Nosika previously worked at KC Overseas Education, where her innate ability to connect with people paved the way for success. The foundation and self-assurance she gained have now led her to her new role, which entails spearheading market development in Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. Of her new role, Nosika said: “Admittedly, stepping into the world of student recruitment feels exhilarating yet nerve-wracking. My nearly 3-year journey with KC Overseas has been nothing short of remarkable. As a trailblazer in establishing the international market, I’ve nurtured invaluable relationships that have shaped my passion for the overseas education realm. However, the support of my incredible GUS team has eased this transition, making it an opportunity to eagerly embrace challenges that lie ahead. With enthusiasm and determination, I’m all set to conquer new milestones on this journey with GUS.”

RMIT University, Australia. Zach recently joined the team at RMIT in Melbourne as an advisor for international partnerships – supporting RMIT’s TNE in markets like Hong Kong, China, Singapore, India and more. In a varied and exciting role, Zach splits his time with the Asia Impact team who work on key RMIT projects, the Asia Trade and Innovation Hub, the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute as well as RMIT’s International MOU delivery and Asia policy support. Prior to this role, Zach led projects and events for the Australia China Business Council nationally, and in Victoria. While there he worked closely with government and the over 3,000 member organisations connected with the council around Australia and in China to drive constructive bilateral economic engagement. Of his new role, he said: “It’s a thrill to be able to put my Asia literacy to use in the international education space at RMIT. All while supporting the uni’s genuine commitment to the region, including its prominent Vietnam campus and diverse international footprint and impact.”

Regent Group, UK. Part of the wider Regent Group, Sean Buckley has recently joined Regent Independent College as its new principal. Sean graduated from Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford (MA Oxon, English Language and Literature) and has a PhD from the University of London (19th Century Irish Writers). He has a wealth of teaching and academic leadership experience, having held several senior positions in a range of schools, including being the principal of an independent sixth-form college. Sean has also been a senior examiner for several examination boards for many years. Sean joined Regent as principal in August 2023 and is delighted to be part of the college and The Regent Group.

Infinite Group, Global. Rebecca Hill has joined Infinite Group as director of partnerships (UK, Australia, and Europe) to support universities looking to establish an in-country presence in India and the UAE through Infinite University Centre.
Rebecca was previously head of international student recruitment for the University of Exeter (Business School), where she achieved ambitious growth targets ahead of schedule; much of this growth was powered by a data-driven student recruitment strategy. The Business School was previously highly reliant on China. While working at Exeter, she worked closely with senior managers to establish the South East Asia Office in Malaysia. Much of her work in the last three years has been working with the newly expanded India Office to achieve a 900% PGT growth rate in two years. Rebecca knows how significant an in-country office presence can be to achieving targets and brings this expertise to the Infinite Group family.

TAFE Queensland, Australia. The board of TAFE Queensland has appointed John Tucker as the chief executive officer of TAFE Queensland. John brings a wealth of experience to the position, having undertaken a number of senior educational and management roles within the VET sector, including his role of general manager, TAFE Queensland SkillsTech. John will also be the Queensland representative on the TDA board. On LinkedIn, TDA extended its congratulations to John on his appointment, which also follows the retirement of former CEO, Mary Campbell, in June. On his profile, John said: “As CEO at TAFE Queensland – I am proud to be leading our great organisation and it’s dedicated people. I am focussed on ensuring our organisation provides the most industry-relevant, flexible and productive training that benefits our students and the industries we serve.”

Arden University, UK. Professor Yang (Lucy) Lu has been appointed as Arden University’s new provost. She will be supporting the delivery of Arden University’s vision and mission to give all people equal opportunities for higher education and increase access to higher education through digital technology and innovation. She will also be helping to consolidate Arden University’s distinctive academic portfolio and expand the global footprint of the university. With over 20 years of professional experience in global higher education, she has held several senior academic leadership posts and international development leadership roles in several UK universities. Commenting on her appointment, Lu said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Arden University and helping them to drive towards further accomplishments along the way. In a short space of time, Arden University has achieved so much, all while sticking true to its values of ensuring access to higher education is open for all. I am looking forward to working alongside our VC and the Board to explore the innovative ways we can expand and change higher education for the better.”

Housemates, UK. Student accommodation veteran David Tymms has joined the board at Manchester firm Housemates. David, who has more than 25 years experience in the sector, is now an independent non-executive director at the instant booking student accommodation marketplace. After initially working as chief operating officer at IQ Student Accommodation, he later became commercial director and strategic advisor during a 15-year spell. David had previously worked as head of student accommodation services at the University of Central Lancashire and as director of residential services at the London School of Economics. Looking forward to being part of Housemates’ boardroom team, led by chief executive Lydia Jones, David said: “The Housemates platform is a proven model that is now engaging in a rapid growth trajectory. I’m looking forward to working with Lydia and the rest of the board, sharing insights and ultimately helping the company to realise its massive potential.”

UKEC, UK. Deaglan McArdle has been appointed to the position of head of partnerships and overseas market operations at UKEC. Since joining in 2022, his vast experience of 18 years working within the industry has been central to helping the company develop new recruitment strategies with partners and grow student recruitment markets internationally. This role will see Deaglan taking the strategic lead on the growth of UKEC outside of the UK, including the development of new recruitment markets for students; and collaborating with partners to develop integrated individual recruitment plans aimed at continuing the diversification of students. He will lead on the international marketing strategies, and office expansion globally too. Speaking of his new role he said: “I love being part of the team at UKEC, and am extremely excited about this next step within the company. The company values and ethos mean a lot to me, our partners and our students. We have been operating and innovating for 24 years, and yet I feel as if we are just getting started!”

University of Salford Business School, UK. University of Salford Business School has announced the appointment of Dr Gordon Fletcher as its new associate dean: research and innovation. Gordon holds a PhD from Griffith University in Cultural Studies and his research predominantly focuses on digital business, digital transformation, innovation, change and information systems. Having served as the director of marketing since 2006 and the director of business 4.0 since 2019, his experience uniquely positions him for this leadership role. His research has consistently focused on the intersection of digital business, culture, and practice. His published works explore a diverse range of subjects including online finance community conflicts, virtual game world economies, and online grieving practices. Gordon said: “The time I’ve spent at the University of Salford is now a significant part of my professional career that has already been filled with the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences. No day is ever the same, and our community, our students, and colleagues never fail to surprise, entertain and teach me new things on a regular basis.”

THINK Global School, US. Andy Wood has been appointed the new principal of THINK Global School. Andy brings a wealth of international experience to the role, having led schools in Dubai, Cape Town, and the Bahamas during his seventeen-year career. He joins following his time as the founding principal of Green School South Africa, a pioneering institution recognised for its forward-thinking, child-centred education delivered through a sustainability lens. As the new head of school, Andy strikes a balance between robust experience, innovative practices, and a readiness to tackle the exciting challenge of guiding THINK Global School through its next phase of development. Commenting on his new role, Andy shared: “I am excited to lead a school that is innovative and bold in its thinking and seeks to inspire its students to think ambitiously about how they will make the world a better place.”

Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK. Rebecca Lever has recently been appointed as director of marketing, communications and student recruitment at Cardiff Metropolitan University, in Wales in the UK. Rebecca has worked in UK higher education since 2003, with 14 years at the University of South Wales, followed by six years at Swansea University, holding the role of interim director of marketing, recruitment and international for the last year. Previous positions include associate director for marketing and student recruitment at Swansea, and digital marketing manager at USW. Rebecca’s passions are brand, digital and producing storytelling content, particularly for international and UK student recruitment campaigns. Rebecca said of her new role: “I’m delighted to be joining such a dynamic university, and l look forward to working with new colleagues to tell the next part of the CMU story.”