Core Team

  • With over 20 years in international higher education, Charles has built partnerships for universities in more than 30 countries. He founded a consultancy dedicated to supporting universities, governments, and private operators in creating innovative, profitable projects globally, with a focus on Eastern and Central Europe.

    Charles’s private sector experience brings a fresh perspective to higher education, enabling him to pioneer new models in transnational education and partnerships. He also founded Retinent, a consultancy specializing in student retention and engagement across the UK and Europe.

    Outside of work, Charles is an avid runner, an enthusiastic woodcarver, and keeps busy with his handsome but slow racehorse on winter weekends.

  • Oksana has always been driven by curiosity and a desire to explore uncharted territories, which led her to pursue a degree in International Relations—a perfect pathway to immerse herself in the diversity of the world.

    During her studies, Oksana worked as a freelance writer, which not only satisfied her thirst for knowledge but also helped her achieve financial independence early in life.

    Firmly believing in the transformative power of education, Oksana sees it as the most powerful tool for creating meaningful change in the world.

    In her free time, Oksana is an avid reader and a devoted explorer of the natural world. She has a deep love for the mountains and has recently discovered a passion for hiking, which she now cannot imagine her life without.

  • John has over 12 years of experience in the education sector in India, particularly in the Western region, where he has built strong connections with senior leaders of leading educational institutions.

    Based in Pune, he has extensive knowledge of the region and its education landscape. Previously, John served as a Trade & Investment Adviser with the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai. He led delegations of Indian educational institutions to the UK and organized visits of UK universities to India, facilitating numerous MOUs between Indian and UK higher education institutions.

    His strong network extends to many leading UK universities and former DIT colleagues across India, giving him nationwide reach.

    In his free time, John enjoys traveling and listening to both classical and modern Western music.

  • Justin is a higher education policy and governance researcher at the University of São Paulo, specializing in scientometrics. He is an associate researcher on the FAPESP-funded Métricas public policy project, which develops research indicators for strategic planning and social impact mapping in collaboration with 25 universities across Brazil.

    A member of the International Triple Helix Association, Justin is a lead researcher for the Global Entrepreneurial University Metrics initiative and designed the methodology for the Entrepreneurial University Ranking. As head of research at Sherlock Communications, he has developed engagement strategies across Latin America for universities, governments, and education service providers.

    Based in São Paulo for 13 years, Justin lives with his three rescued dogs and three rescued cats. In his free time, he practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu and writes subtitles for independent Latin American films.

  • Anzhela’s career has been deeply rooted in internationalisation. She began as a volunteer at the international relations office of her alma mater, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in International Law Enforcement. Over time, she transitioned into a full-time role, earning her master’s degree in Law (Hons) along the way.

    Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Anzhela pursued a PhD and later became Head of the International Relations Office at Kharkiv National Medical University. Starting from scratch, she built the office into a key driver of the university's transformation into one of Ukraine's most internationalised medical schools. Recently, Anzhela achieved a Doctor of Science in Law.

    Outside of work, Anzhela enjoys an active family life with her husband and three sons. Her favorite activities include kayaking, hiking, cycling, football, picnics, and games. She also plays the piano and loves singing.

  • Diana began her journey with CCG during her undergraduate Law degree at Lancaster University, initially editing documents and later leading the Marketing team. After gaining experience in the Careers and Recruitment Service at Lancaster, she worked in the Commercial Litigation Department of a law firm in Leeds and later for an insolvency firm in London.

    In 2018, Diana returned to CCG as its first Client Manager, overseeing client relations and establishing the company’s project management system. She later transitioned to Operations Management, focusing on client and partner work, and by 2023, she took on a broader role, streamlining and monitoring processes across the company.

  • Bora is a devoted advocate for the transformative power of higher education, believing in its ability to inspire learning, foster discovery and enterprise, and shape future leaders who will make a difference in the world.

    With six years of experience in higher education, Bora has worked across four key strategic areas: Athletics, Enrollment Management, Internationalization, and Advancement. His leadership roles have encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing NCAA Division I athletic teams, international and domestic student recruitment, international student services, academic partnerships, study abroad programs, alumni engagement, and annual giving initiatives. This diverse portfolio has equipped him with a broad perspective on Higher Education and Business Leadership.

    A former water polo player and coach, Bora continues to enjoy playing the sport recreationally. In his downtime, he treasures long walks with his wife and daughters and delights in family movie nights filled with Disney classics.

  • Growing up in a small town near the enchanting Scottish Borders, Katie developed a deep love for history and archaeology. This passion inspired her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology at Durham University, followed by a Master’s in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects.

    After completing her studies, Katie moved to Devon, where she is currently undertaking a fascinating internship at a historic house, further enriching her experience in the field.

    In her free time, Katie enjoys reading and walking as a way to unwind. She also loves discovering and visiting historic sites, indulging her lifelong curiosity about the past.

  • David brings 40 years of experience in Higher Education, with a focus on internationalisation over the past decade. He most recently served as Dean for Global Engagement (Americas) at the University of Glasgow and has held senior roles such as Head of College (Science & Engineering), Learning & Teaching Dean, and Head of Mathematics. His academic background is in Applied Mathematics, with research interests in Geophysics.

    David has been instrumental in fostering global partnerships, enhancing research collaboration, student mobility, recruitment, and academic reputation. His initiatives have driven significant growth in study abroad programs and exchanges. He has also led strategic partnerships with institutions like Columbia University, the University of Hong Kong, McGill University, the University of Sydney, and the Smithsonian. At McGill, he championed the Open Skies initiative, aiming for jointly awarded degrees. In Latin America, he has supported key partnerships and internationalisation efforts through targeted workshops.

  • James has held senior roles across a diverse range of higher education institutions, including a monotechnic, a small liberal arts university, and a globally leading Russell Group research-intensive university. Before entering academia, he worked as a banker with JP MorganChase.

    As a Staff Governor, James contributed to the merger that created a new faculty, later transforming it into a globally ranked, research-led faculty (QS Top 50, 2018) during his tenure as Dean. He has also served as Head of Graduate School and Department, pioneering innovations such as his university’s first online course, first TNE program, and one of the UK’s first blended doctorates. A Philosopher of Education by background, James is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and continues to publish in leading SSCI journals.

    For over eight years, James has led internationalisation at the University of Glasgow, initially developing the College of Social Sciences’ first strategic plan and, for the past five years, serving as Vice Principal (Internationalisation). He oversaw the university’s global strategy, including recruitment, alumni and consular engagement, TNE, research collaborations, international student experience, mobility, and Glasgow International College. Under his leadership, Glasgow established world-class partnerships with institutions like Hong Kong, Sydney, McGill, and Radboud, and rose to a Global Top 30 (THES) for international profile. He also founded and directs the European Centre for Advanced Studies in Germany.

    Nationally, James co-chaired UUKi’s inaugural PVC International Forum, contributed to the Russell Group European Advisory Forum, and participated in high-profile delegations. He has held visiting positions at several prestigious institutions, including Oxford, Fordham, and the University of Georgia, and is a member of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s President’s 1783 Network.

  • Keith has had a distinguished executive career in both education and business and now focuses on a portfolio of business and consulting roles, leveraging technical innovation and entrepreneurial approaches.

    With extensive leadership experience, Keith’s academic background spans world-leading universities, non-traditional university models, and further education. He has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in fields such as physics, engineering, biomedical systems, and theology. His research, including 128 publications and 6 patents, covers topics like digital healthcare, smart cities, and education technology. He currently holds professorships in Design Engineering (London), Digital Healthcare (Vienna), and International Education (Kuala Lumpur).

    Keith has spun out five companies from his university work, founded three others, and served as a non-executive director of eight companies. His consulting roles include leading national programs for the UK Department of Health and developing smart cities strategies. As National Innovation Policy Advisor, he also authored Myanmar’s first National Innovation Policy. A sought-after executive coach, Keith has supported senior leaders across sectors and has run his consultancy for over 30 years.

  • Raymi began his career in finance and advertising, working across diverse cultural environments including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and several European countries. His experience in financial and operational management laid a strong foundation for his transition into the commercial tertiary education sector.

    Based in Dubai for the last 18 years, Raymi has gained extensive experience in the MENASA region’s education sector. He played a key role in the establishment and growth of successful international branch campuses, including the University of Wollongong Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and De Montfort University Dubai. His expertise spans all aspects of branch campus management, including strategy, business development, finance, marketing, student recruitment, IT, HR, procurement, and property services. He also has a strong understanding of academia, particularly in recruiting and retaining high-quality academic staff.

    Raymi has worked with the UAE's largest publicly funded university and has led consulting projects to establish branch campuses in Qatar, India, Sri Lanka, and Malta.

  • Daria’s passion for languages and international experiences has shaped her professional journey. She served as the Student Mobility Manager at Kharkiv National Medical University, where she oversaw academic mobility initiatives and played a key role in advancing the university's internationalisation efforts.

    Born and raised in Kharkiv, Daria pursued a degree in Applied Linguistics at V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. During her studies, she worked as a Trademark Manager for a private company, a role that honed her communication and language skills.

    Daria’s curiosity for new cultures led her to spend two years in Poland, where she explored the country’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

    Outside of work, Daria finds balance through yoga, which helps her de-stress and recharge. Her love for languages extends to learning new ones, an activity she finds both relaxing and rewarding.

  • Beverley has extensive experience in international mobility, having served as Director of International Mobility at a large Russell Group university. In this role, she led the development and growth of international mobility and short-term programs, focusing on both program expansion and student participation.

    Her experience includes the creation of pre-UG and UG global summer schools designed to enhance international diversity, support income generation, and meet recruitment targets. Beverley has a particular understanding of how these programs can be institutionally embedded to support broader strategic goals.

    She also brings a wealth of experience in the Turing Program, with a proven track record of maximizing application outcomes and using funding to support summer and short outbound programs. Additionally, Beverley has been instrumental in increasing participation rates among traditionally underrepresented student groups in mobility.

    In her spare time, Beverley enjoys spending time with family and friends, with a special love for travel and planning her next adventure.

Associates & Catalysts

  • Steve began his career in International Finance, spending 20 years in the field before becoming the Commercial CEO of the UK Open University in 2011. During his six years there, he led Global Strategy, Marketing, Government Relations, and B2B partnerships, while also chairing the FutureLearn Board.

    In 2017, Steve founded Higher Ed Partnerships, now the UK’s leading OPM. Recently, he has advised private equity firms on large-scale EdTech acquisitions.

  • Steve Seaworth has dedicated his career to International Education. Before joining Wake Forest, he served as Vice President for University Relations at the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), Butler University. A frequent presenter at conferences such as the Forum on Education Abroad, NAFSA, and AACRAO, Steve has held leadership roles including Chair of NAFSA Region XII and multiple committees. He received the Lily von Klemperer Award in 2005 for mentoring young professionals and the AACRAO Award for Excellence in International Education in 2017.

    Steve holds B.A. degrees in Mathematics, Economics, and Computer Science from the University of Redlands and an M.A. in Economics from UC Riverside.

  • Alan has extensive experience in transnational education, beginning in 1984 when he established a network of Business Schools across the N.E. UK, Southern Germany, South East France, and Northern Italy. He served as Dean of Lancashire Business School for over 11 years, leading international education capacity-building projects in Poland, Ukraine, Ethiopia, South Africa, and China, and overseeing the school's internationalisation.

    In 2002, Alan joined the University of Westminster as the first Deputy Rector (Academic) to develop Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). Based in Tashkent, he played a key role in shaping and growing WIUT into the leading international university in Uzbekistan, growing student numbers from 120 to 4,000 by 2019. He managed all aspects of strategic development, academic affairs, staff, support, and governance.

    Alan left WIUT in 2020 to chair TEAM, Uzbekistan's first privately sponsored university, and has since consulted on national education reforms and advised two new state-supported universities. He also chairs the Westminster International School of Tashkent. Alan was awarded an O.B.E. in 2011 for his services to UK Higher Education in an international context.

    He teaches Business Strategy and focuses his research on Transnational Education, particularly governance, regulation, and reputation. Alan has also been a business consultant, contributing to technological change and development across major corporations

  • Neil has nearly 40 years of experience in higher education, with the latter half focusing on internationalisation, particularly in the global food and farming sectors. He was Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), where he led a major international programme, including the establishment of the Joint Institute for Advanced Agri-Technology at Qingdao Agricultural University, China.

    Neil’s primary focus is on partnership development, fostering collaborations across academia, commercial, government, and voluntary sectors. A practising Chartered Surveyor and former Director of a community-owned biodynamic farming company, he brings multi-sector expertise to his work.

    Neil has published over 100 academic papers on the relationships between people and natural resources, with a focus on shared values connecting individuals, communities, and the environment. He maintains an active research programme in China at Qingdao Agricultural University and Fudan University in Shanghai. Neil also serves as Senior Advisor on Research to the Rector of the new International Agriculture University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which he helped establish during his time at RAU.

  • Yerbol has extensive hands-on experience working in Central Asia and is the Chairman of the International Science and Commercialization Board within the World Bank’s Fostering Productive Innovations Project.

    Recently, Yerbol served as Rector of Almaty Management University, where he developed a new strategy for the institution through 2025, secured AMBA and BGA accreditation for the Graduate Business School, and forged strategic partnerships with Arizona State University and Cintana Education.

    He holds a PhD in Mathematics, with a focus on Financial Mathematics from the University of Manchester. Yerbol also made history by signing the first-ever national deals with global information leaders, including Thomson Reuters and Springer, among the CIS countries.

  • Aziz brings extensive expertise in international education, covering business development, partnerships, transnational education, and quality assurance. With senior leadership experience at a major UK university, he has successfully established partnerships across Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Greece, and Cyprus.

    His career highlights include creating and validating new educational offerings, fostering partnership growth, and working closely with overseas institutions and regulatory bodies. In his free time, Aziz enjoys knitting and crochet.

  • During his 20 years in Parliament, Gintaras focused on reforming Lithuania’s educational system. As Minister of Education in 2008, he led transformative reforms, including introducing a student voucher system and overseeing university mergers to strengthen the sector.

    He championed the internationalization of Lithuanian universities, supporting dual degree and joint faculty partnerships with UK institutions. Gintaras also served as Deputy Speaker of the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament).

    Since stepping down in 2020, he has worked with governments across Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to reform their education systems, joining CCG to expand activities in the region.

    Gintaras is passionate about basketball—both playing and watching—as well as films and reading.

  • Emily joined the CCG family in April 2022 as part of the partnership team, inspired by her newfound passion for the internationalisation of higher education.

    Originally from Scotland, Emily moved to York to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Criminology. During her studies, she undertook an enriching internship with a Scottish charity, where she helped reduce offenders’ community payback hours through arts-based workshops. This experience, combined with her academic journey, sparked her enthusiasm for international higher education. This led Emily to embark on a Master’s degree in Marketing at York St John University, where she is further exploring her passion for the sector and hopes to build a career in international higher education upon graduation.

    When not working or studying, Emily loves going for runs or long walks to unwind. Recently, she has also discovered a love for embroidery, which she finds both creative and calming

  • Phill has nearly 20 years of experience in UK higher education, focusing on UK, EU, and global student recruitment. He has held senior leadership roles at UK universities, overseeing the development of multifaceted partnerships in research, student recruitment, mobility, exchange, and study abroad, while ensuring quality, compliance, and growth.

    With extensive market knowledge spanning the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, China, the US, and South and Southeast Asia, Phill has also worked with university consortia, governments, NGOs, and charities to support institutional strategies and student success.

    A passionate rugby fan, Phill co-founded an inclusive rugby team in York in 2019, promoting the values of inclusive rugby locally and globally. He also enjoys good company, lively conversations, and spending time with friends over dinner, drinks, board games, and deep discussions.

  • Roger has over 20 years of experience in economic development and project management, focusing on sustainable social, environmental, and economic innovation. He collaborates across sectors and borders to address pressing issues, fostering a fairer world while reinvesting 100% of surpluses into the growth of voluntary and community organizations.

    With offices in Edinburgh and Prague, Roger is a leading expert in income generation and fundraising. He has a proven track record in securing funding and tenders, identifying new income streams, and connecting clients with delivery partners across the UK, EU, and regions like Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Transcaucasia. His services include project development, management, investment, and social innovation.

    Outside of work, Roger enjoys cooking, music, playing the drums, and watching sports.

  • Hailing from Transylvania, the land of mythical vampires, Lorena grew up just 20 minutes away from the legendary Castle of Vlad the Impaler. In 2016, her curiosity and drive for knowledge led her to the UK, where she pursued Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation at UCLan. Her passion for the field inspired her to complete a Master’s in Forensic Information Technology and Cyber Security at Portsmouth.

    Lorena joined CCG as a part-time project assistant, balancing work and studies while advancing her expertise. In her free time, she loves spending cherished moments with family, tackling cyber-security challenges, learning programming languages, and writing. However, she also enjoys unwinding with cop TV shows or computer games on her lazy days.

  • Ligia grew up in Oradea, a city known for its stunning art nouveau and Viennese Secession architecture. Drawn to cultural diversity and exploration, she discovered a passion for travel and learning, which continues to inspire her.

    For ten years, Cluj-Napoca was her home while she pursued studies in Advertising and Communication Sciences at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Currently, she is working on her PhD thesis in Neuromarketing and has already published her first academic book.

    Ligia’s professional journey began as a Project Manager and Creative Copywriter at one of Transylvania's leading advertising agencies. She also co-founded and served as Marketing Director for Romania's first student consultancy NGO, which provides socially conscious organizations with high-quality, affordable consulting services. Since joining CCG in 2020, Ligia has thrived in an environment that fosters professional growth.

    In her downtime, Ligia enjoys reading, cooking with good music in the background, traveling, and running to recharge her energy.

  • With over 14 years of experience in higher education, Elizabeth is passionate about funding for international students. Her career spans across a number of Russell Group and post-92 universities, as well as government bodies and the charity sector.

    Throughout her career, Elizabeth has developed and managed scholarship programmes for both universities and other organizations, forging links between ministries, corporations, and global charities to create funding opportunities for students. She has successfully fundraised millions of pounds for international scholarships and spearheaded a multi-million-pound sponsor portfolio for a UK university, nurturing high-level relationships with a large number of international sponsor organizations. A conference speaker and writer in the field of international funding, her work was shortlisted for the Student Support Award at the PIEoneer Awards 2023. Elizabeth holds an LLB in Law from Cardiff University.

  • Emeritus Professor Mark Edwards brings over 20 years of higher education leadership experience in Australia and the UK, with more than 15 years focused on the international sector. He previously served as Associate Dean International at an Australian university and as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) at a progressive UK university.

    Mark has a proven track record in developing internationalization strategies and achieving ambitious goals in student recruitment, study abroad, TNE, and partnerships. With a strong global network, he has maintained partnerships across China, Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, Europe, and the US.

    He holds a PhD in Psychological Science from the University of Queensland and several honorary professorships worldwide.

    In his free time, Mark enjoys cricket, Australian rules football, home renovations, and 4WD adventures.

  • With over 20 years of experience in international higher education, Claire specializes in driving internationalization in both state and for-profit sectors.

    As Director of International Development at a leading UK Russell Group university, she established successful multi-million-pound recruitment partnerships and transformed mobility and student support teams.

    Claire has nearly two decades of strategic responsibility for global student recruitment campaigns, navigating diverse markets and political environments. She excels at identifying and addressing challenges to recruitment success, combining operational and strategic expertise. In addition to her education marketing consultancy work, she serves as European adviser to a major Chinese education agency.

    In her free time, Claire enjoys gardening in all weather, often accompanied by her not-so-helpful dogs.

  • Priyanka, originally from India, holds an MBA from MIT World Peace University in Pune and is currently a Partner Manager for the Indian market at CCG. Before joining CCG, she managed operations at Runanubandh Private Media, an Indian newspaper, and is now passionate about enhancing higher education for future generations.

    A sports and arts enthusiast, Priyanka loves exploring new experiences and helping others. She volunteers as a freelance counselor at Remand Home, supporting youths in need of care and protection in her community.

  • Barbara has over 25 years of experience in buying and selling at the Director level and currently serves as Associate Director with Cormack Consultancy Group. She holds a Doctorate in Customer Retention, an MBA in Retailing, and a Marketing degree.

    Barbara lectures in International Sales Management, Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Professional Selling at Napier University and is developing a new bachelor’s program, “The Science of Selling.” As an Associate with Teesside University, she supports local business growth and MBA programs and is also a visiting lecturer at the Stockholm School of Economics.

    Her career spans roles as General Manager and Sales Director across various industries. She mentors with the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and enjoys golf and walking in her free time.

  • Teneisha brings over 12 years of expertise in International Education to CCG. Her journey into global education began at the age of 17 when she studied abroad for the first time, sparking a lifelong passion for supporting the student experience in Education Abroad.

    In her previous role as Director of Education Abroad at a midsized university in the western United States, Teneisha played a pivotal role in securing funding and providing essential support for students and faculty, ensuring the success of international programs. She is excited to assist CCG partners in fostering meaningful collaborations.

    In her free time, Teneisha enjoys combining her love for reading and traveling, exploring the world with a book in hand. A true music and sports enthusiast, she also loves attending sporting events—especially cheering for her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers, as a proud Wisconsinite.

  • Maryna brings over 10 years of experience in the higher education sector. She earned her master’s degree in Economics from Kharkiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and began her career as a teacher at her Alma Mater.

    Driven by a passion for internationalizing education, Maryna worked closely with international students, supporting their adaptation and success in new environments. As the Head of the International Relations Office at Kharkiv National Medical University, she developed a keen interest in project management. Maryna has actively contributed to various international projects as a co-grant writer, project manager, and financial manager, collaborating with partners in Greece, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Spain, Austria, and beyond.

    In her free time, Maryna enjoys exploring new cities and countries, tasting local cuisines, cycling, and swimming.

  • Born and raised in Cluj, also known as the Treasure County of Romania, Madalina is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca. She is deeply committed to the value of education, viewing learning as a lifelong journey. Madalina seeks to broaden her knowledge across various fields, from technology to the arts, believing that a well-rounded perspective enriches both her personal and professional life.

    Her passion for technology drives her to explore new programming languages and innovative solutions, embracing each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Outside of academics, Madalina treasures time with her family and her beloved cats, whose warmth and playful presence bring joy and balance to her life.

    For Madalina, education is not just a path to success, but a way to continuously evolve and find fulfillment. She eagerly looks forward to embracing every opportunity that deepens her understanding and broadens her horizons.

  • Elena grew up in northern Romania and the enchanting heart of Transylvania, bringing her radiant optimism and energy into every endeavor.

    She completed her master’s degree in European Affairs and Programme Management at Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania’s top-ranked university. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for grant writing. Her career began with a consultancy firm specializing in European funding for SMEs, followed by a return to Babeș-Bolyai University in the Department of Public Health.

    Over the past decade, Elena has been instrumental in securing and managing more than 20 grants in public health, taking on roles such as project manager, financial manager, research assistant, institutional coordinator, lecturer, and teaching assistant. These projects, funded by diverse institutions, allowed her to collaborate with partners from a wide range of countries across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, exposing her to different cultures and work approaches.

    Now at CCG, Elena has returned to consultancy, where she supports higher education institutions in refining their bid writing skills. Her wealth of experience in grant writing and project implementation is a valuable asset to her clients.

    In her personal time, Elena prioritizes peace of mind through running, yoga, and gardening, staying grounded amidst her dynamic professional life.

  • Vladyslav has always been an active and open-minded individual, eager to seek new experiences. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University, he participated in an exchange program at University College Copenhagen. This experience not only expanded his knowledge and skills but also sparked his passion for building a professional career within the international educational community.

    His first step into the professional world was as the Head of the Student Council Press Center, where he honed his leadership skills and gained valuable experience working with students in higher education.

    In 2022, Vladyslav had the opportunity to intern at the Department of Innovation and International Relations at his university, where he served as a Student Coordinator. In this role, he helped students engage in international exchange programs.

    In his free time, Vladyslav enjoys playing volleyball, cycling, and traveling. He has a strong passion for exploring new places and immersing himself in diverse cultures.

  • Emily brings over nine years of international education experience from the United States, Spain, and Thailand. Her expertise spans key strategic areas, including international recruitment, enrollment management, student services, and broader internationalization efforts.

    Born and raised in New York, Emily has traveled to over 35 countries and has extensive recruitment experience across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. At CCG, she combines her passion for building authentic relationships with her skills in operations and systems optimization, ensuring streamlined processes that align with and surpass strategic objectives.

  • Owais brings 13 years of leadership and consulting experience in the higher education and development sector, working with universities, educational companies, and cultural organizations across Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    He has successfully strategized and executed scalable internationalization projects in Pakistan, developing multifaceted partnerships for student and faculty mobility, student recruitment, joint research, and transnational education with institutions across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

    Based in Lahore, Owais joined Cormack Consultancy Group as the Pakistan Consultant, focusing on developing sustainable TNE partnerships for international higher education institutions in the country. He serves in several roles, including Consultant for Kinnaird College for Women, South Asia’s premier women’s institution, and Consultant for Lahore Garrison University, where he established the university's Office of Internationalization.

    Owais has previously served as Head of Partnerships at Infinitum Education, Consultant at Beyond the Classroom Education, and Director at The Citizens Archive of Pakistan. These roles have enriched his experience in strategy, institutional effectiveness, project management, and partnership development.

    Owais is an Acumen Fellow and holds an MBA from the Lahore School of Economics.

  • Tim has over 20 years of senior experience in higher education, most recently serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Chair of UUKi’s Asia Policy Network. He has developed and implemented internationalisation strategies that have driven growth in both on-campus and off-campus recruitment at UCLan and the University of Wolverhampton.

    Tim has extensive international expertise across China, South Asia, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia. He is highly regarded for building sustainable, large-scale partnerships that align with broader internationalisation goals. His experience spans various partnership models, including branch campuses, franchise and validation agreements, non-independent colleges, distance learning, and managed articulations.

  • Saule has over 20 years of experience in education, research, and innovation, holding senior positions in both academic and political sectors. She served as a senior advisor on education to former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė.

    A published author with numerous articles and books on innovation, education, and governance, Saule has also been an expert for the European Commission and EU neighboring countries. She is currently a professor of innovation at Vilnius University and the Chair of the Lithuanian National Education Council.

  • John is a seasoned educationalist with a 40-year career in further and higher education. As Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham, he led the design and construction of a new campus, achieved “Outstanding” status with Ofsted, and helped the college become one of the first to gain Foundation Degree awarding powers.

    John has also served as a Board member and President of the Association of Colleges and as a member of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. He is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and has authored numerous papers on educational issues, particularly widening participation in higher education and developing higher technical skills. He continues to work on these areas both in the UK and internationally.

    Before leaving New College Durham in 2020, John led a consortium in the creation of a new Institute of Technology in the North East of England.

  • Sarah O’Sullivan is a Latin America higher education expert with a background in social science and journalism. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she is a member of the international council of the Brazilian National Association of Hybrid Learning.

    Sarah served as a higher education consultant for the Irish government for over seven years, representing more than 30 Irish institutions. She helped universities develop strategic plans to engage with stakeholders and increase student recruitment in Brazil.

    She played a key role in founding multimillion-Euro partnerships for higher education clients in Brazil and organized the largest-ever scientific mission from Brazil to Ireland, facilitating the mobility of over 80 principal investigators and three funding agency presidents.

    Sarah has extensive knowledge of education across Latin America and maintains strong connections with universities, schools, agents, and a broad network of professional collaborators across the region.

  • Peter Francis has extensive experience and practice of tertiary education leadership and management. This includes portfolio and curriculum planning; academic standards and quality assurance; student experiences and outcomes; student mental health, wellbeing and support; employability and enterprise; domestic and international recruitment; Transnational Educational Partnerships (TNE); apprenticeships and domestic partnerships; regulation, risk and governance; and resource, project and financial management.

     

    Peter was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Birmingham City University between 2021-23, and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Northumbria University between the years 2015-21. He joined Northumbria University from Leicester University in 1994 as a lecturer in criminology, and in the ensuing years, alongside delivering a dynamic portfolio of teaching, research, and enterprise, he performed various leadership roles including Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Acting Dean, Associate Dean, Head of Department, and Director of the Community Safety Research Unit.

     

    As an educational specialist, Peter has led transformation in learning, teaching and assessment to optimise student experiences and their outcomes and has delivered partnership working domestically and internationally to enable educational exchange, collaboration, and opportunities for learner access and achievement. He has supervised doctoral studies on employability, student mental health and analytics, and wellbeing. Between the years 2019-23, Peter led a collaborative R&D project on student mental health analytics funded by the Office for Students’ Mental Health Challenge Competition, that impacted across the sector. As a criminologist, his research, knowledge exchange and evaluation has impacted regionally and nationally, and he has supervised doctoral studies on subjects spanning youth justice, bullying, violence, harm and victimisation, and policing and criminal justice. Peter has also acted as a Senior Advisor to the Home Office, E&W.

    Currently, Peter is involved in delivering project work and non-executive activities, supporting national and overseas organisations on education strategy, academic planning, and governance. He is actively engaged with Gateshead College as an Independent Governor, and Chair of its Curriculum and Quality Standards Committee. In addition, he is a Supervisory Board Member of Drill Hub, Lithuania, as well as an Associate of Cormack Consultancy Group. Peter continues to write and his last book – entitled An Introduction to Criminal Justice (with Prof. Pam Davies, Prof. George Mair and Dr. Jamie Harding) was published by Sage Publishing in April 2025.

  • Yana was born and raised in Ukraine, where she graduated from the State Tax University of the Ministry of Finance with a master’s degree in law. She began her career at the State Tax Service of Ukraine, where she represented the state's interests in courts.

    Later, Yana worked for several years at a state-owned company that developed a web portal used for managing public funds for the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. This portal remains a crucial tool in the country’s fight against corruption. Additionally, she has gained experience working as a lawyer in the private sector.

    Yana enjoys traveling, immersing herself in local cultures and traditions. She also practices yoga, enjoys long-distance walks, and is passionate about drawing.