GEMS Education Group, Global. Chris Goodbourn has been appointed as the director – university partnerships at GEMS Education Group, situated within the GEMS For Life team. Drawing on his extensive 14-year background in education, Chris will cultivate meaningful partnerships with higher education Institutions & organisations, to enhance the value and career opportunities for GEMS senior and graduating students each year. Chris brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the regional director for Asia at Amerigo Education, a leading provider of high school programs for international students in the USA and Canada and with 12 years at global pathway provider Navitas, where Chris held a variety of roles including Director of Marketing and Admissions, BCUIC and Regional Manager, Southeast Asia. He said of his new role “I’m very excited to be working with HE institutions globally to build best-fit opportunities for all GEMS Alumni, and to continue to celebrate the amazing work the GEMS Schools do every year”.

Globeducate, Global. Clara Hawking was recently appointed as Globeducate’s first official head of artificial intelligence Clara holds a Master of Computer Science from the University of Stockholm with a focus on inclusion inLearning Management Systems and machine learning, then further specialising in AI at Master Level, which has equipped her with a keen understanding of the ethical implications of AI technology in education. She also holds a Master ́s degree in Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics, a Master of Theology in Peace and Conflict Resolution, and a PhD candidacy in Political Philosophy and Psychology. Clara also holds an executive certificate in accelerating digital innovation from the Stockholm School of Economics. She has a passion for volunteering, which is evident through her role a voluntary director of ICT and digitalisation at an educational organisation in Kenya. Clara ́s appointment reinforces Globeducate ́s unwavering commitment to holding a position and will lead on all educational policies, programmes, guidance, training, and curricula initiatives for AI, as the group demonstrates its commitment to navigating the frontier of AI in education.

OTHM Qualifications, UK. The OFQUAL Awarding Organisation OTHM has appointed Andrew Rennie to the role of head of partnerships – leading on the business development activities and strategy of the organisation. Andrew brings over 20 years of experience from the international education sector, with a passion for trans-national education. He has a track record in opening new markets and forming strategic alliances and collaborations in the pursuit of taking British education to learners abroad. Previously, he has worked for the Awarding Organisation NCC Education, and two UK universities within an international capacity. The university experience involved International Student Recruitment, which are skills that he says often come in useful when supporting and growing partner institutions abroad. “OTHM is an outstanding, ambitious organisation with a strong focus on having a continuously expanding portfolio of relevant courses, high quality, and growth. I am honoured and excited to join a fantastic team and to have the opportunity to help drive the business development activities during this exciting period.”

Independent HE, UK. IHE has welcomed James Pitman as its new chair of the Board. James has served on the IHE Board for a number of years, most recently in the position of vice chair, and has been instrumental in guiding our work in key areas such as member growth and international education. James is the managing director, Higher Education UK & Europe, at Study Group, having joined the business in 2007. He has held a variety of senior international roles in the music industry and education publishing. James is a member of the British Council’s HE Sector Group, a founding member of Destination for Education, and founding advisor to the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students. Of his new role, he said: “Almost all of the ambitions we have as a country are underpinned by education – a vibrant economy and enhanced productivity, innovation, a skilled workforce, excellent healthcare and a thriving creative sector. Independent Higher Education members make an essential contribution to each of these, supporting talented people from the UK and overseas to pursue their educational ambitions and future career success.”

NEAS, Australia. Adam Kilburn has been named the next CEO and public officer of NEAS Australia. Adam brings extensive experience in the English Language Teaching sector, most recently as director of Holmesglen’s English Language Centre in Melbourne. Adam has had executive oversight for ELICOS, AMEP and teacher training programs within a TAFE and training environment, specialising in management and bringing experience as lead teacher and teacher trainer specialist. With deep knowledge of student recruitment, quality and compliance, and curriculum development, NEAS is confident that Adam’s skill set and experience in business start-ups and process improvement will be an asset to NEAS. Adam holds a Master of Arts (Language and Literacy) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The NEAS team, consisting of Daniel Yuen, operations manager, Rima Ibrahim, education manager and Peetra Lechte, communications manager, continue to support the organisation’s members throughout the leadership transition period.

International Education Sustainability Group, Australia.  John Crick has joined the team at International Education Sustainability Group as partnerships director UK for the Climate Action Barometer for international education. John joins the International Education Sustainability Group after five years at Enroly, where he was in the role of director of Enroly services and compliance. Prior to his time at Enroly, he was at the SAE Institute as director of international student recruitment, and previously as a marketing director. Speaking of his new role, he said: “Having established a Founders Group of prominent Australian and NZ universities for the Climate Action Barometer, we are now doing the same for forward-looking universities here in the UK. If you’d like to know more about what we’re doing or you’d just like to have a chat about sustainability issues affecting our sector, please get in touch!”

TechnologyOne UK, UK. Iain Murray has started a new position as a corporate account manager at TechnologyOne UK, which supports SaaS solutions and aims to make life simple for higher education and local government institutions. He joins the company after three years working at the Estonian higher education technology outfit DreamApply, where he was in the role of head of global sales. Iain said upon the news of his hiring at TechnologyOneUK: “My next step has taken twelve months of patience to make sure that the role and company are the correct fit and with Technology One they easily ticked all the boxes. The technology landscape in education is changing and I can’t wait to get out and catch up with new and existing relationships and share how Technology One is disrupting the market.”

Avant Assessment, US. Robert (Bob) Davis has recently joined the team at Avant Assessment as director of international pathways. Avant Assessment develops and delivers language proficiency solutions that improve language teaching and learning including computer-adaptive proficiency assessments in 45+ languages, professional learning for educators, and remote proctoring. This new role at the organisation focuses on creating pathways for global learners which recognise and celebrate their multi-lingual skills. Bob previously served as global CEO of Mandarin Matrix and executive director of the College Board’s International Division. Bob has worked and studied in China and has overseen partnerships between US and Chinese education entities which foster collaboration and mutual understanding. Bob is based in Chicago and has served as manager of World Languages and International Studies programs at Chicago Public Schools, as well as China advisor to the former Mayor Richard M. Daley. “I am thrilled to join Avant and to expand their global footprint.”

University of Central Lancashire, UK. Ula Tang-Plowman has recently finished her post at the University of Nottingham where she was the deputy director of international student recruitment and started her new role as the director of international recruitment at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), where she focuses on delivering the university’s international ambition on sustainability and diversity for the university. With a rich background as an international student and as the first university graduate in her family, Ula remains a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of UK higher education. Beyond her professional role, Ula is the founder of the British Universities’ China Association (BUCA), an initiative she established from scratch, demonstrating her commitment to fostering international educational connections. She also actively participates as a member of the BUILA Executive and chairs the China Regional Interest Group.

NCUK, UK. NCUK has announced the appointment of Andrew Howells MCIM as its new chief marketing officer. With more than 15 years of experience in senior marketing roles in higher education, Andrew brings a wealth of expertise and a track record of significant accomplishments to this critical role. Before joining NCUK, Andrew served as the Assistant Director for External Affairs at Universities UK International (UUKi), a sector body representing 140 UK universities. His prior roles also include senior positions in marketing, student recruitment, and alumni relations at the University of Southampton and Royal Holloway, University of London. “We are thrilled to welcome Andy to the NCUK team,” said Stuart Smith, CEO of NCUK. “His deep understanding of the higher education sector, combined with his proven ability to lead successful marketing campaigns, makes him an invaluable addition to our organisation. We look forward to the significant contributions he will undoubtedly make as we continue to connect international students with world-class universities.”

Sannam S4, India. Sagar Bahadur, a leader in educational business solutions, was recently appointed as the executive director for India & South Asia at Acumen, part of the Sannam S4 group. He aims to align seamlessly with Acumen’s commitment to global expansion and strategic innovation. His endeavours include the successful launch of Gradstar Global Education in 2022, achieving over 40 international collaborations and significant revenue milestones. With an 8-year tenure at Amity Education Group, he facilitated the establishment of multiple global campuses. Notably, Sagar revamped the University of Queensland’s India strategy, setting a benchmark for similar projects. He has been recognised through prestigious awards, including BW BusinessWorld 40under40 2020 and the Philip Kotler Award. He said of his new role: “My journey harmonises organically with Acumen’s commitments to the sector, especially magnifying partnerships with governments, corporations, and educational institutions. I’m eager to work with and support international clients in achieving successful endeavours within South Asia.”

Malvern International, UK. Malvern International recently announced the appointment of Stephen Harvey as its chief development officer on Wednesday. In the role, Harvey would be responsible for expanding its global network of university and higher education partnerships. Stephen has 40 years of experience in the global education sector, and will bring a wealth of expertise to his new position. He’s also served as non-executive director at Sannam S4, founder and global managing director of Cambridge Education Group’s ‘Oncampus’ higher education pathways division, head of higher education advisory services at KPMG UK, and project manager at the UK Department for Education’s strategy and innovation unit. Stephen had also served as the UK managing director of Study Group and currently held the trustee position at Cumberland Lodge. “I am extremely pleased to welcome Stephen to Malvern,” said chief executive officer Richard Mace. “As a leading authority in our industry, Steve’s extensive experience and network will be invaluable to the next stage of Malvern’s development as we look to expand our university partnerships.”

The Ambassador Platform, Global. Arthur Lane has recently accepted the role of VP, partnerships (North America) with The Ambassador Platform, a leading peer-to-peer student recruitment platform recently acquired by IDP. Artie’s mission will be to spread the word on how peer-to-peer is reshaping international and domestic student recruitment, with a special focus on partnering with internal marketing teams to drive every part of the student journey toward enrolment. Artie’s experience in the higher education space includes previous engagements at Cialfo, IntelliBoard, and teaching assignments at various colleges and continuing education teams across Ontario, Canada. Speaking of his new role, he said: “I’m looking forward to visiting with our valued clients, and meeting new potential partners, especially over the next month or two. Let me know if we can chat about your student recruitment and marketing needs!”

University of Buffalo, US. Christopher Connor has taken up the role of acting VP for enrolment management at the University of Buffalo. Christopher, who has been at the institution 12 years, was previously senior assistant dean for overall enrolment management, and also had the same role for graduate enrolment management services prior to that. He also has a secondary role at the European Association of International Education as a trainer. In his most recent post at Buffalo, he helped to achieve a 74% increase in graduate international student enrolment growth to record high levels 2015-2023 – from 1,460 to 2,542, as well as implemented formal Spring entry terms at Buffalo, which increased new incoming graduate student enrolment 674% 2015-2023 – from 46 to 356. Christopher posted on LinkedIn, saying he was “happy to share” the news with the sector.

Novakid, US. Kate was recently appointed as the director of social media marketing, influencers and PR at Novakid. She has over 10 years’ experience leading global marketing teams in multiple industries, including education. Prior to joining Novakid, Kate worked in lead social media roles at Keenfolks AI Agency, IWG plc, PageGroup as well as writing for several household publications including VICE, ArtNews and Harper’s Bazaar. Bringing people-first leadership to her new role and beyond, Kate also serves as a mentor on GrowthMentor and MentorCruise to empower, clear the path and set a direction to unlock talent potential and drive sustainable results. In her new position at Novakid, her mission is to build a world-class example of customer-centric marketing and positioning Novakid as reference in online ESL education for children. “I feel very fortunate to join the Novakid team at a time where education has become almost inseparable from gamification. At its very best, learning is fun, memorable and filled with surprises – and that’s Novakid from first to last!”

University College Dublin, UAE. Nusrat Bashir has recently been appointed regional director for UCD’s Global Centre in Dubai. Nusrat will drive UCD’s global engagement strategy in a growing number of countries in the Middle East and Africa, strengthening the university’s profile and reputation in the region via growth in student recruitment, establishing and nurturing global relationships and partnerships, and developing student mobility opportunities. With over 20 years of student recruitment experience in international higher education within both the public and private sectors, promoting study abroad in the UK, US, Holland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Nusrat is looking forward to focusing now on UCD and Ireland as the number one study destination. “I am incredibly excited to join one of the world’s leading universities and to raise not only the profile of UCD within my region but also to showcase Ireland as the number one study destination for international students,” she said.

Dalhousie University, Canada. James Martin has recently been appointed to the role of manager, recognition of prior learning Dalhousie University. In this role in the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development, James intends to expand prior learning collaborations both locally and internationally. James is a seasoned professional in the realm of International Education with extensive qualifications. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University, a certification in School Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School Online, and TESL certification. With extensive expertise in the language, international, K-12, and Higher Education sectors, James has concentrated on school start-ups, curriculum design, academic development, teacher training, and recruitment management. James said: “We are currently experiencing a thrilling era, where people’s intangible yet highly valuable educational experiences are finally being acknowledged globally in sectors that foster relationship-building and long-term opportunities. Their aim to expand outreach to organisations, thereby maximising training and upskilling prospects for individuals, through a collaboration and support with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Edvoy, Global. Barnava Sarma was recently promoted to director for Africa, CIS, and South Asia at Edvoy. Barnava is a dynamic leader with more than 12 years of experience in international education and a passion for empowering students and partners to achieve their academic and career goals. With a keen understanding of diverse regional needs, I am also instrumental in fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and connecting agents with top educational institutions for their students. Their strategic vision and commitment to educational excellence have positioned Edvoy as a leading force in facilitating educational journeys for students/partners across Africa, the CIS region, and South Asia.

Enroly, UK. Phoebe O’Donnell embarks on a new and exciting chapter in her career, joining Enroly as its head of services in a significant addition to the company’s fast-growing team. Phoebe joins Enroly following an impressive eight-year tenure at Study Group. Phoebe’s background leading international admissions teams and successful management of transformation projects will undoubtedly play a crucial role in enhancing Enroly as it builds out its services capability. Speaking about her new role and responsibilities, Phoebe said, “I am thrilled to be heading up the Services team at Enroly and to start building on its impressive track-record of delivering first-class outsourced services to Enroly’s university partners on the platform. It’s an opportunity to make a real impact across a fantastic portfolio, from enhancing student visa outcomes to transforming credibility interviews at UK universities. I am passionate about driving process improvements and excited to collaborate with Enroly as we transform CAS, visa and arrival for our university partners.”

London Film School, UK. Chris Auty is to be the new director of the LFS. Chris has been a senior head of department at the National Film and Television School for the past ten years where, apart from his role as head of producing and supervising the development / production of up to 30 short films a year and running the National Film School’s two-year MA producing programme, he has also been responsible for designing, validating and running new MA courses. Prior to his role at NFTS, Chris worked extensively in the film industry. He was founder and CEO of The Works plc, and before that managing director of the recorded picture Company.  Chris commented: “I’m delighted to be taking on the leadership of this renowned film school in the heart of London. It happens to be the place where my own journey into film began – working with LFS alumnus Miguel Pereira on his first feature film. I greatly look forward to working with staff, students, and alumni to build the brightest possible future for this unique, world-class school for independent filmmakers.”