Griffith College, Australia. Luca Cella has been appointed director, admissions and marketing at Griffith College. After holding senior international and domestic student recruitment roles at the University of Queensland, RMIT and Deakin, Luca shifted to the wondrous world of EdTech in March 2021. Joining The Ambassador Platform as director of Asia-Pacific, he sought to help universities find their best-fit students and prospects make informed decisions about their studying options through technology. At Griffith, he will be driving the student acquisition strategy for one of Navitas’ largest colleges. Excited at the opportunity to reconnect with agents, future students and parents on a daily basis, Luca looks forward to contributing to the College’s growth and believes Australian international education is on a strong upward trajectory after the pandemic years and border closures. Luca has acquired and perfected several hard skills over the years but believes soft skills are indispensable to succeed in any kind of business, including and especially international education.

Keele University, UK. Professor Antonius Raghubansie has joined Keele University as the institution’s first ever pro-vice chancellor international. He has a specialist interest in education for sustainability, having led the University of Worcester’s participation as one of the eight founding UK universities, along with Keele, in the Higher Education Academy’s pioneering Green Academy in 2011. He has recently worked in international education in South and East Asia with the British Council. Prior to entering HE, he held commercial leadership roles in the Caribbean and South America in marketing in the Pepsi network. Antonius said: “Keele University is an incredible force, changing the world for the better, and I am so pleased to be joining the leadership team. Working together with staff and students across the University, with partners and our community, we will further grow the global influence of Keele’s teaching and research.”

University of Warwick, UK. Nina-Anne Lawrence recently moved from the University of Leeds to take up a new role at the University of Warwick, as head of department and director of Warwick Foundation Studies which includes IFP programmes, summer schools, pre-sessional and in-sessional provision. Nina-Anne is a strategic thinker with global experience gained from the UK, China, Germany and Ireland. She has expertise in balancing the strategic goals and objectives of an organisation with academic quality and superior student experience gained through roles including director of academic affairs, academic director, director of international affairs, head of international business development, and CEO. Nina-Anne is also the chair of the University Pathway Alliance and on the editorial board for the InForm Journal.

guard.me, Global. guard.me International Insurance has appointed Michelle Brown as senior account manager UK & Ireland as part of the EU team to lead the growth strategy for the UK and Ireland markets. Bringing over 15 years of experience from the international education domain of both the public and private sectors. Michelle will play a key role in the expansion of guard.me International Insurance. Michelle said of her new role: “As the market leader in student medical & travel insurance product services, we have an opportunity, and responsibility, to provide the very best service to institutions worldwide. There has never been a more important time to collaborate and deliver outstanding student services who are the beneficiaries of insurance products, and I’m delighted to work with our partners to seek exceptional outcomes for everyone!” 

Twin Group, UK. Twin Group is delighted to announce that Roy O’Shaughnessy is to be the group’s new chair. Roy is the Chair of Bellanno Ltd (www.bellanno.com) and recently retired from his role as the group chief executive of Capital City College Group, London’s largest further education college group. Roy’s appointment will support Twin Group’s strategic aim of growing as a national and international provider of services in education, skills training and employability sectors. Roy O’Shaughnessy said of his new role, “I am delighted to have been invited to chair the Twin Group. I have known Caroline Fox and Jacqui Fox, the Group’s founders, since 2009 and have partnered on several contracts. My respect for them and the Twin team is immense. Twin can strategically double in size, has the leadership to meet any challenge and has the innovation required to enter new markets. I am excited about the potential to increase market share, expand into new sectors, and improve the communities in which Twin operates.”

AMOpportunities, US. AMOpportunities has announced the addition of Jon David Willingham to AMO’s board of directors, joining representatives of investor OCA Ventures as well as AMO senior management. Jon David joins the board through PACE Healthcare Capital’s latest investment in AMOpportunities. Among other roles, Jon David is a partner of PACE Healthcare Capital and has spent the better part of two decades developing and financing innovative, values-aligned businesses. He has helped build or advised a diversity of investment firms and has been deeply involved in the growth and governance of myriad companies. “While so many communities face a shortage of medical professionals, AMO’s technology is addressing a critical training bottleneck: transforming an antiquated and decentralised analog clinical rotation system into a transparent online marketplace that seamlessly supports both the student and the host institution,” says Jon David. “I’m delighted to join AMO’s board as they continue their impressive growth.”

University of Birmingham, UK. Callum Cowell has recently moved to the UK’s West Midlands to take up a newly established role as dean of the Birmingham International Academy (BIA). As dean of the BIA, Callum leads the University’s in-house Academy for International students, providing a suite of discipline-specific academic foundation pathway programs and a range of high quality English language programs in a friendly and supportive environment at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston and Dubai campuses. The BIA is growing strongly again since the height of the COVID period and Callum will be working to not only continue the growth of existing programs but identify and seek new program and pathway opportunities with a range of partners in various markets around the world. Callum has moved to Birmingham from Perth, Western Australia where he was director of The University of Western Australia’s Centre for English Language Teaching. Callum brings to the role a long background and history of success in the international education sector, across marketing, student recruitment, transnational dselivery and international partner development.

Shorelight, Global. Michelle Doyle was appointed as Shorelight’s China general manager in January. With over 16 years of experience as Country Manager at Cambridge Education Group, Asia General Manager at Student.com, and VP of PTE at Pearson, she brings to her new role of a wealth of knowledge in student recruitment, omni-channel marketing, sales operations, product development, and strategy development. Michelle’s management approach is rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning, a focus on data-driven solutions, and a passion for a collaborative engagement at all levels of the business. Her dedication to supporting the professional advancement of women is particularly noteworthy, having initiated in-house learning clubs and volunteered as a career mentor at Lean In Circles in Shanghai and Chengdu. With her extensive background and drive for inclusivity, Michelle is poised to make significant contributions to Shorelight and the international education community. Of her new role, she said: “I am thrilled for the opportunity to join such a dynamic and forward thinking organisation and work towards creating impactful change in the industry.”

UniQuest, UK. Andrew Cook recently joined UniQuest as a Partner Relationship Manager, bringing with him over seven years of experience in the higher education sector. In this new role, Andrew is responsible for building and maintaining strong partnerships with universities, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded. As an expert in partner relationship management, sales, and marketing, Andrew is adept at developing and executing innovative strategies that drive growth and foster long-lasting connections. At UniQuest, Andrew looks forward to leveraging his diverse skillset to contribute to the success of partner universities and their students, while continually embracing new challenges and opportunities in the higher education sector. Andrew’s commitment to embracing new challenges and staying abreast of emerging trends in the higher education sector will ensure that UniQuest remains at the forefront of innovative solutions and services. His dedication to continuous growth and adaptation will help create lasting value for partner universities and the students they serve. Andrew’s background in Higher Education has included working for SchoolApply, University of Stirling, and Goodwall.

Oxford International Education Group, US. Sanam Raza has joined OIEG at Senior Vice President for the US. In her new role, Sanam will spearhead growth and development of partnerships. Previously collaborating with North American universities on strategies that enhance online higher education programs, Sanam has worked with both public and private institutions. At edtech startup Springboard, she worked as VP & GM for University Partnerships and before that was VP of Enterprise Partnerships at Pearson Online Learning Services.  She has led cross-functional business units through various stages of growth and spearheaded strategic partnerships. Sanam’s higher education and early career began in finance, and she worked in capital markets before pivoting to education. She has an international background, having lived in Pakistan, the US and Canada. Sanam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise across strategic planning & partnerships, growth strategy, leadership, and operations management, will be key in OIEG’s US acceleration and expansion.

Oxford International Education Group, UK. Oxford International Education Group has announced the addition of Shagufta Bibi in the new role of brand and communications director. Shagufta is an experienced marketing and communications leader with a track record in delivering brand propositions, change and growth in the education sector. She has previously held senior roles at the University of Bradford, University of Leeds, the Growth Company and Nord Anglia Education. Shagufta comes at a key moment of growth for Oxford International and the marketing team, committed to leading and developing cross-functional teams to develop meaningful brand experiences and propositions, supporting positive student outcomes. Shagufta said of her new role: “It is exciting to be joining OIEG at such a key time in the company’s development, and I am looking forward to working with such an innovative and dynamic team that embodies our vision – learning without limits.”

University Bridge, Global. It has been announced that Helen Fan has recently joined University Bridge as its new regional manager for North China, where she will focus on student recruitment to the top universities in the United States. With over two decades of experience in international education in China, she has worked in a government agency, in North China regional sales and marketing for EduCo and most recently as a partnerships development manager for Virtual Internships. When asked about taking on the new role, Helen said: “I am delighted to join University Bridge, and am looking forward to helping more Chinese students to fulfil their dream to enter elite UC schools like UCLA and UC Berkeley.”

Bard College, US. Bard College has announced the appointment of Jace Clayton as director of graduate studies at the Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts. Jace, an artist and writer based in New York who is also known for his work as DJ/rupture, will additionally join Bard’s Studio Arts faculty as a tenure-track assistant professor. He has performed in over forty countries, both solo and as director of large ensemble performances, and gives frequent artist talks and keynote lectures across cultural institutions worldwide. His interdisciplinary approach focuses on how sound, memory, and public space interact, with an emphasis on low-income communities and non-Western geographies. Clayton places a strong emphasis on working globally -often outside of traditional gallery or tour circuits – and on cross-cultural collaboration. His recent projects include They Are Part, a solo exhibition currently on view at MassArt Art Museum. For the past two years, Clayton has been the interim director of the sound arts program at Columbia University, where he is also an assistant professor of visual arts.

Greenwich International Education, UK. Vítor Berardo has recently joined the Greenwich International Education team. With the responsibility for LATAM markets, Vítor has a long experience in the international education sector and joins GIE as Business Development Manager. With more than seven years’ experience, he worked with some of the biggest and most prestigious Brazilian exchange agencies. With various responsibilities in several departments, he has experience and extensive knowledge in sales, product development and understanding of operational processes, including B2B and B2C business development. During this period, he worked with several products in the international education market, such as language courses, higher education, high school, and summer programs. One of the differentials Vítor brings to the GIE team is his international experience as an exchange student. He completed part of his high school in Canada, and also has completed multiple language courses across three different continents. Vítor said, “I am excited to support, expand and strengthen the GIE brand in Brazil and all across Latin America”.

Greenwich International Education, UK. Sandra Herrero has joined Greenwich International Education as Business Development Manager, with focus on the Western Europe markets. Sandra started in the industry placing international students in language schools across Europe, USA, Canada and Oceania before developing into Ministay programs, Summer Camps and Group programs. Sandra brings her experience working in marketing and sales within key markets in the international education industry and will play an important role in GIE’s global growth trajectory, to help young learners take part in UK summer camps and High School programs. About her new role, Sandra says “I am delighted to start my job at GIE, with the opportunity to develop new markets and I am looking forward to applying all my knowledge to support and enhance our growth”.

Nexford University, Global. Nexford has appointed Dr. Laila Macharia as its new senior advisor for strategic partnerships for East Africa. Raised in Kenya, Namibia and Somalia, Laila is managing director of the Africa Digital Media Institute. A serial entrepreneur and investor, Laila serves on the boards of Absa Bank of Kenya and Centum, both listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. She also has expertise managing US$ portfolios and transactions in the United States and Africa. M from Cornell University and a doctorate in law from Stanford University, all in the United States. Laila was honoured in 2021 as one of the Top 100 Kenyans. Describing how she feels to be Nexford’s senior advisor for East Africa, Laila said: “I am passionate about education and the social and economic opportunities it opens up for young people – so I’m delighted to be joining Nexford. I look forward to working with Nexford’s global team to deliver new opportunities for Kenyan learners and prepare them for the exciting future of work”.

University College Dublin, Ireland. UCD has recently appointed Richard Emery as director, Asia Pacific. Richard brings over 15 years’ experience in international partnerships, recruitment and business development to the role. As Associate Director, Global Engagement at Brunel University London he developed Brunel’s international partnerships strategy and established a Global Engagement Office to better align the University’s activities across partnerships, recruitment, fundraising and alumni engagement. Prior to this he held the position of Japan Operations Director at SI-UK and roles at the University of Southampton, APU and Ritsumeikan University. More recently Richard has been responsible for the scale up of the Chartered Management Consultant Award (ChMC) across the consulting sector in the UK at the MCA in London. Heading up the UCD Global Centre in Malaysia, the Director Asia Pacific is responsible for guiding UCD’s strategy for engagement and coordinating a diverse portfolio of activities across the APAC region.

Kaplan International Languages, Global. Kaplan International Languages has appointed Joanna Chung as principal of Kaplan’s 30+ English language school at its new London Bridge location. Joanna most recently was principal of Kaplan’s school in Cambridge.  She has also managed Kaplan’s accommodation and welfare team and headed up the Accommodation team for Kaplan’s two London-based schools.  She has wide experience in operations, sales and marketing and ran her own successful school in the Newcastle International School of English, for eight years. Kaplan’s 30+ school is tailored for 30+ students and specialises in courses with a professional or academic focus offering classes in Business English, General English, Semi-Intensive and Intensive, Academic Year, and IELTS preparation.

The WorldGrad, UK/Europe. The WorldGrad has recently appointed Oliver Goh as vice president of university partnerships for the UK and Europe. Bringing over 15 years of experience from the international education domain, Oliver will play a leading role in scaling up The WorldGrad value propositions to HE institutions seeking diversified, sustainable revenue pipelines in key emerging markets. Oliver said of his new role: “I am delighted to join The WorldGrad. It is such an exciting time for our business. With market dynamics changing faster than ever before, consumers are increasingly craving for agile, value-for-money education offerings. The WorldGrad is the pioneer of hybrid degree category. There is a tremendous opportunity for us to streamline the unstructured study abroad market segment through innovative technology solution and unique business model. I look forward to collaborating with our partners to make higher education more accessible, and to make our students workforce-ready.”

StudyMe, Global. Sachin Vahil has been appointed senior partnerships manager at StudyMe. Sachin is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in business development, sales, and international education. With a deep understanding of the global education landscape, Sachin has worked with study destinations in Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, and Ireland. He has played a vital role in developing and implementing successful business development strategies for various organisations. With over a decade of experience, Sachin is a driven education specialist passionate about delivering exceptional service and results for his clients. He is committed to helping educational institutions succeed in a highly competitive global market, leveraging his business development, marketing, and agent management expertise. Overall, Sachin’s skills and expertise in the education industry make him a valuable asset to any organisation looking to succeed in the global education market.