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.

  • Being with the CCG for more than 5 years, Oksana has grown through several roles - starting as Executive Assistant to the Chairman, then moving into the Assistant Director for the Twinning Initiative and now holding a position of Assistant Director (Project Delivery). 

    These positions have strengthened her organisational and stakeholder-management skills, deepened her understanding of TNE and built her expertise in supporting universities in crisis. In her current role, Oksana oversees the development and delivery of projects.

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    She built both her academic and professional foundation in Cluj-Napoca, where she studied Advertising and Communication Sciences at bachelor’s and master’s level. Nearly a decade ago, she published her first academic book, “The Conscious and the Unconscious in Purchase Decision-Making.” She later completed a PhD in Neuromarketing, with a thesis titled “Visual Communication and Sustainability in the Decision-Making Process: An Analysis of Perceptions of Packaging Design as a Strategic Communication Element.

    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.

  • 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 is an open-minded and proactive individual with a strong interest in international education. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University and took part in an exchange programme at University College Copenhagen. This experience broadened his academic perspective and inspired his commitment to building a career within the global educational community.

    He began his professional journey as Head of the Student Council Press Centre, where he developed leadership skills and gained hands-on experience working with students in higher education. Vladyslav also interned in the Department of Innovation and International Relations at his university, serving as a Student Coordinator and facilitating student participation in international exchange programmes.

    Currently, Vladyslav is a Partner Manager at CCG, supporting partners in achieving their internationalisation goals. He combines this role with his PhD studies in Philology.

    Outside of work, Vladyslav enjoys volleyball, cycling, and travelling, with a keen interest in discovering new places and experiencing 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.

  • 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.

  • Alexander is an accomplished higher education policy expert with over 15 years of experience working across governmental, international, and academic institutions. Formerly heading the Analytics, Finance, and International Relations Unit at Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science, he played a pivotal role in introducing performance-based funding for universities, reforming governance models, and aligning Ukraine’s education policy with European standards.

     

    Alexander served as Ukraine’s national delegate to the Bologna Process and co-chaired its Follow-up Group in 2018–2021, contributing to European higher education strategy development. He has led several international education initiatives in cooperation with the World Bank, EU, and British Council.

     

    Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Alexander joined a voluntary territorial defence unit, helping defend Kyiv and the surrounding region during the critical first phase of the war.

     

    At Cormack Consultancy Group, Alexander advises on Ukraine's education system, building bridges between international partners and Ukrainian institutions. He holds a PhD in Education and Leadership and brings a unique blend of policy insight, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Helen is a senior higher education specialist with over 15 years’ experience in international strategy, global partnership development, and student recruitment. She has led major collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; overseen significant mobility and TNE portfolios; and delivered recruitment strategies that strengthened institutional reach and performance.

    Her career has seen her develop evidence-based insight for executive teams, cultivate relationships with government bodies, sponsors, and academic partners, lead programme and partnership development initiatives, and design partnership frameworks that support robust governance and effective collaboration. She has also negotiated partnership contracts that ensure strong risk assurance and operational clarity. Earlier in her career, Helen worked extensively in international student recruitment and market development across priority global regions, providing a strong foundation for her later strategic and partnership-focused roles. Her experience spans both a leading Russell Group university and a globally triple-accredited business school, giving her deep insight into diverse institutional contexts and strategic priorities.

    Helen brings clarity, structure, and thoughtful challenge to complex international activity. Her approach is insight-led and collaborative, focused on designing partnership models and frameworks that support quality, mitigate risk, and build resilient, culturally responsive relationships that deliver long-term value for institutions.

    Away from work, Helen enjoys travelling, discovering new cuisines, and spending time with friends and family.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Phill Gray is Director of Enhanced TNE Clients at Cormack Consultancy Group, where he leads and strengthens relationships with Client universities engaged in complex international partnership activity. Having joined CCG in September 2021, Phill provides senior oversight, strategic judgement, and hands-on leadership across Enhanced Transnational Education (TNE) portfolios, ensuring partnership opportunities are well aligned with Client priorities, quality expectations, and long-term institutional objectives.

    With over 20 years’ experience in UK higher education, Phill works closely with university leadership teams to shape, assess, and progress international partnerships across TNE, student recruitment, academic mobility, and collaborative programme delivery. He takes direct responsibility for managing Enhanced TNE Clients, chairing Client and partner discussions, guiding opportunity triage, and maintaining momentum and accountability throughout the partnership lifecycle.

    Prior to joining CCG, Phill held senior leadership roles within UK universities, where he oversaw the development and governance of multifaceted partnerships spanning recruitment, mobility, research collaboration, and academic exchange. His work consistently balanced strategic ambition with regulatory compliance, academic integrity, and sustainable growth, experience that now underpins his advisory and Client-facing role.

    Phill brings extensive global market knowledge across the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, China, the United States, and South and Southeast Asia. He has also worked with university consortia, governments, NGOs, and charities to support institutional strategy, partnership frameworks, and international growth agendas.

    Outside of work, Phill is a committed rugby supporter and co-founder of an inclusive rugby team in York, established in 2019. He values community, good conversation, and time spent with friends, whether over dinner, drinks, board games, or thoughtful discussion.

  • Barbara has over 30 years of experience in buying and selling at the Director level and currently serves as Director of International Development with Cormack Consultancy Group. She holds a Doctorate in Customer Retention, an MBA in Retailing, and a Marketing degree.

     

    Barbara lectures and runs workshops in Sales and Business Development, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Change Management, and Internationalisation. She supports local business growth through SME programmes and MBA programs and is also a visiting lecturer at a number of different universities.

     

    Her career spans roles as General Manager and Sales Director across various industries. She enjoys golf and walking in her free time.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Gunther has an unusual background in industry, business innovation consultancy and academia. He co-led an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Sydney for seven years with the mission to create societal and economic impact and engagement. On a university level, Gunther was a member of the Strategic Partnership Advisory Committee, the University Executive Operations Committee and served for two years on the Academic Board.

    Based on his own experience, Gunther develops and provides unique training programmes for academic and professional staff at universities, translating his executive management and leadership expertise into the academic sector. Core topics are strategy, leadership, alliances & collaboration as well as commercialisation & entrepreneurship. Furthermore, he is an expert in developing and implementing academic and operational frameworks for collaborative initiatives in the Higher Education sector.

    Gunther holds a PhD in Natural Sciences from the University of Hamburg, Germany and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is the founder of YUTCC.

    He splits his time between Australia and UK & Europe. Gunther loves travelling, food and wine, is a keen swimmer and follows Australian Rules Football passionately.

  • Wissem Abid is an international education professional with extensive experience in developing global partnerships and student recruitment strategies across Africa, the Middle East, and North America. As Founder and Director of UniGlobal, based in Tunisia, he supports universities in building their international presence through recruitment fairs, school visits, and strategic collaborations. Previously, Wissem worked in the U.S. higher education sector, managing international admissions and advising students from more than 50 countries. He is passionate about expanding access to international education and fostering meaningful academic cooperation. Outside of work, Wissem enjoys spending time with family, following football, and taking road trips with friends.

  • Lily is an accomplished strategic leader with extensive experience shaping internationalisation and transformation agendas across leading UK universities. Lily has deep expertise in international engagement, culture change, and transformational project delivery and her career spans Russell Group and University Alliance institutions, where she has delivered complex change programmes that align global vision with operational delivery.

    As Director of Global Engagement within a Top 10 UK university, Lily designed and implemented the institution’s first International Engagement and Impact Plan — integrating people, systems, and strategy to enhance global reputation, drive diversification, and build long-term sustainability.

    Lily has spearheaded large-scale initiatives, including the establishment of a Global Sports University Network spanning six continents, the delivery of high-impact global marketing and recruitment transformation, and the development of international partnership frameworks.

    Lily’s approach is characterised by strategic clarity, cultural intelligence, and a focus on impact. She advises on organisational readiness, institutional resilience, shaping policy responses during times of volatility and change, international growth strategy, and has acted as a bridge between institutional leadership and national policy.

    Lily is a storyteller and a strong advocate of amplifying women’s voices in the public sector promoting a narrative of women leading, unapologetically.

  • Dr Tim Gore OBE is a Senior Associate Fellow of the School of Advanced Study, University of London. Tim uses his diplomatic, strategic and creative skills to lead knowledge intensive work in complex stakeholder environments. He has gained this knowledge and experience through senior leadership positions in France, UK, India, Jordan, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. In these contexts he has worked closely with universities, governments, cultural and diplomatic organisations and the private sector. 

    Tim is an active member his professional communities of knowledge diplomacy , international higher education and cultural relations. He is editor of several collections which focus on knowledge intensive practice in higher education and diplomacy, and contributes widely in writing, chairing and speaking to practice in these fields. 

    He specialises in the creation of a distinctive creative vision and the establishment of challenging projects. Examples include securing initial funding, vision and national buy-in for the British University in Dubai, the establishment of the UK India Education and Research Initiative, the THE award winning international strategy for Greenwich University and the repositioning of the University of London Institute in Paris. 

    Tim's doctoral thesis analysed university international strategies, he also holds two masters as an applied linguist and in business administration. He speaks Arabic and French

  • Nicolas (“Nico”) Decourt is a global higher education partnerships expert, specialising in building sustainable, high-impact international collaborations. With over 15 years’ experience at institutions including Oxford Brookes University, Staffordshire University, and NCUK, he has led the development of dual degrees, TNE pathways, franchise models, and strategic global partnerships across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

     

    Nico is known for his sharp strategic insight, cultural fluency, and ability to turn complex challenges into sustainable opportunities. He advises universities and education organisations on partnership strategy, governance, financial modelling, due diligence, and market development.

     

    A dual French-British professional with a global outlook, Nico brings clarity, creativity, and commercial focus to every project, helping institutions expand their international footprint and deliver meaningful, long-term impact.

  • Jānis brings over 20 years of executive experience in higher education and digital governance, specializing in the intersection of institutional reform, data strategy, and international partnerships. He has a proven track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across the Baltics and Eastern Europe, bridging the gap between academic vision and operational reality.

    Formerly the Director of Riga Business School for two decades, Jānis transformed the institution into a regional leader, securing accredited dual-degree partnerships with US universities and managing multi-million Euro capacity-building projects. He recently served as the CEO of the Higher Education and Science IT Shared Service Centre (VPC), where he led a national initiative to integrate Latvia’s academic IT infrastructure, securing over €20M in government investment to future-proof the sector for the AI era.

    Jānis also brings a high-level European perspective, having served on the Governing Board of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). In this role, he provided strategic oversight for multi-billion Euro innovation communities, focusing on the Deep Tech Talent Initiative and digital transformation. His collaboration with Charles Cormack dates back several years, where they worked together on a strategic capacity-building project in Eastern Europe.

    Outside of his strategic work, Jānis is a "Techno-Governor" at heart who enjoys deconstructing complex systems. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, bees and building things. 

  • Andy has over 15 years of experience working in senior leadership roles in higher education, leading brand, marketing, PR and thought leadership, communications and external affairs activities across universities, a sector body and a private provider.

     

    Most recently he was the Chief Marketing Officer for NCUK, a leading global pathway provider, where he led a large rebrand and repositioning of the company to drive increases in brand awareness, profile and reputation, partnerships and student growth. Before that, he worked as the Deputy Director of Universities UK International (UUKi), a sector body representing 140 UK universities. In this role he led lobbying activity, influencing government; he led UUKi’s Pro-Vice Chancellor International network, overseeing the delivery of member services; and he developed and delivered multiple award-winning sector wide campaigns. This included the Twin for Hope campaign, working with Cormack Consulting Group to tell the story of the impact of the Twinning Initiative. Andy has also held senior marketing, student recruitment and alumni relations roles at the University of Southampton and Royal Holloway, University of London.

     

    He has won several awards for his work, including a CASE Europe ‘Circle of Excellence’ award for the University of Southampton’s alumni engagement campaign, Replay, in 2019, ‘Best Issues and Crisis Campaign’ at the PR Week Global awards in 2022 for UUKi’s #WeAreTogether campaign, and ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at the PIEoneer Awards in 2023 for UUKi’s #TwinForHope campaign. More recently Andy led his team at NCUK to multiple industry awards for their rebrand project and brand campaign, and won an individual award from UKCISA in 2025 for his work to date in championing international students and the student voice.

     

    Andy is a father of two young children and his claim to fame is delivering his second child himself, in his car, in a supermarket car park during the first weeks of Covid lockdowns in 2020! 

  • Professor Judith Lamie has been working in the Higher Education sector for over thirty years, the last twelve at University Executive level. Most recently Judith has been Pro-Vice Chancellor International at Swansea University where she had responsibility for all international matters as well as home student recruitment, clearing, league table analysis and equality, diversity and inclusion.

     

    Judith is a specialist in international higher education, in particular international strategy implementation, partnership development, the establishment and management of overseas campuses and transnational education. She has conducted several bespoke reviews for academic institutions particularly focusing on TNE and international strategy governance and management.

     

    Judith has a proven track record of dynamic and collaborative strategic leadership. She has significant experience of producing and implementing key university strategies and has successfully led teams to achieve and exceed their targets, enabling the universities she has worked for to diversify their income streams, and increase their profile and reputation.   

     

    Judith contributes to her profession in a number of ways. She has published widely within the fields of international education, applied linguistics, and change management, with her latest book, An Insider’s Guide to Working in International Higher Education (with C. Hill) published by Routledge in November 2025. She has presented at conferences and conducted training events nationally and internationally, and a wide variety of governments, organisations and institutions have requested her expertise. 

  • Stephen has over 20 years of experience in senior Higher Education Administration, providing leadership in planning, organising and managing student administration and governance at a variety of institutions in both the public and private sectors.

    Stephen is an experienced University Secretary and Registrar with an extensive background in leading strategically and operationally on administrative, compliance and governance functions in both public and private higher education sectors and also a non-departmental public body. As a senior leader, he has a proven track record of motivating and bringing teams together within a single campus site and across global, multi-campus institutions. Stephen has maintained overall responsibility for institutional compliance, both regulatory and statutory, having led as the executive lead for Legal and Governance, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Quality and Standards, Admissions, Student Records, Assessments & Results, Appeals and Complaints, Information & Planning, whilst also serving as Company Secretary and Secretary to Senate. He is passionate about empowering teams, balancing risk management and regulatory compliance with a drive for innovation and embracing opportunity.


    Stephen was most recently the University Secretary & Registrar at Plymouth Marjon University and was previously employed as Academic Registrar at Hult International Business School, in London, where he had responsibility for delivering high-quality, customer-focused services that were positioned to meet changing student and organisational expectations. Before this Stephen served in professional governance, policy and student record-keeping roles for the University of London, the British Museum, the London School of Economics and the University of Cambridge. 

  • Professor Edwards provides strategic leadership for Cormack Consultancy Group’s engagement across Australia and the wider Australasian region. The role focuses on expanding institutional partnerships, strengthening senior-level relationships, and identifying sustainable transnational education (TNE) and internationalisation opportunities for higher and further education providers. Professor Edwards contributes to strategic market development, supports institutional capacity building, and advises on partnership models that align with client priorities and regional regulatory contexts. The role represents Cormack Consultancy Group at sector events, in high-level negotiations, and in the cultivation of long-term collaborative networks.

  • Elizabeth joined CCG as the Associate Director for Scholarships in 2024 and has worked with institutions from around the world leading the Sponsor Readiness Service. With over 16 years in Higher Education, her experience spans across a number of Russell Group and post-92 Universities in the UK, as well as government bodies and the charity sector. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has developed and managed scholarship programmes for both Universities and other organisations; forging links between Ministries, Corporations and global charities looking to partner with institutions to create funding opportunities for students. She has successfully fundraised millions of pounds for international scholarships as well as spearheaded a multi-million pound sponsor portfolio for a UK University, nurturing and servicing high-level relationships with a large number of international sponsor organisations. 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.

  • 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.

  • Ayre is an HCPC-registered Occupational and Business Psychologist, National Teaching Fellow, and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy specialising in online and digital higher education strategy, programme development, and academic quality assurance.

    With more than 25 years’ senior leadership experience, she supports universities and education providers to design, develop, and scale high-quality online and blended programmes that are pedagogically robust, regulatorily compliant, and aligned with evolving sector expectations.

    Alexandra advises institutions on programme design, validation, and quality assurance within UK and international regulatory frameworks, including the Office for Students (OfS) Conditions of Registration, the QAA Quality Code, and professional, statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) accreditation requirements. She has particular expertise in helping institutions establish and grow online portfolios and transnational education partnerships within complex regulatory environments.

    She has held senior roles including Director of University of Wolverhampton Online, Dean of Health, Education and Wellbeing, and Director of Psychology Online at the University of Liverpool, leading major initiatives in digital education and institutional transformation.

    Alexandra has worked with organisations including Laureate Education, Higher Education Partners, Kaplan/University of Essex Online, Anglia Ruskin Online, Pearson Education, Aberystwyth University, St Mary’s University Twickenham, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh to develop industry-relevant, student-centred online programmes aligned with academic, regulatory, and professional standards.

  • 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.

  • Wanda has spent her career in the charity and corporate sectors, with extensive experience engaging universities, governments, policy makers, and civil society organisations. She is a programme, project, and content specialist, designing and delivering complex initiatives that bring diverse stakeholders together and create meaningful social and educational impact.


    Wanda has led high-profile programmes advancing genocide awareness and prevention, including UK national commemorations and the UK Department for Education-funded Belsen 75 Project and the Lessons from Auschwitz Programme, educating thousands of students, teachers and members of society. She has also directed flagship international summits and multi-day congresses for Times Higher Education, helping universities define their brand, showcase their global reach, and engage meaningful partners. Her convenings have brought together senior leaders from universities, NGOs, governments, and industry to address global challenges in education governance, innovation, research and sustainability.


    Wanda’s expertise spans programme and project management, strategic content creation, partnership development, commercial and funding engagement, and multi-stakeholder event curation. She excels at translating complex challenges into structured, actionable programmes, connecting organisations with the right partners, and delivering initiatives efficiently, inclusively, and with measurable impact. Her work is driven by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to meaningful change.


    Outside of work, Wanda combines her love of adventure, wellness, and community. She has trekked in the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, the Atlas Mountains, and the Dolomites, enjoys cooking and hosting, and has run events for weddings and special occasions. She also practices yoga and Pilates, and is currently training to become a qualified Pilates instructor.