Transnational education conference 2026

International education and programme l with 14+ years of experience in higher education, international partnerships, and policy development. Extensive expertise in transnational education (TNE), UK–Pakistan higher education collaboration, and donor-funded programmes, with a strong track record of engaging governments, universities, and global partners. Experienced in shaping higher education policy, developing strategic partnerships, and delivering complex, high-value international education initiatives.

Anastasia Andritsou is the Director of the British Council in Greece and Cyprus, leading strategic direction, operational excellence, and institutional partnerships across both countries. With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning education reform, technical assistance programme management, stakeholder engagement, and business transformation, she has built a distinguished track record of delivering high-impact, sustainable change across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Anastasia has played a pivotal role in shaping education and cultural policy across Europe, strengthening strategic collaboration between the UK, Greece, and Cyprus through innovative initiatives in arts, education, and English language development. 

Ken Badcock became Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost in May 2023. He joined from Royal Holloway, University of London, where he had held roles between 2018 and 2023 as Acting Principal, Deputy Principal and Senior Vice-Principal, holding responsibility for Academic Strategy, Planning, Research and the Doctoral School. He holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Strathclyde and a doctorate from the Computing Laboratory at Oxford University in the simulation of fluid flow. Ken has been a member of Middlesex Cricket for 35 years, and regularly goes to the opera, ballet and theatre.

Alison Barrett MBE is Country Director of the British Council in India, leading Arts & Culture, Education and English programmes delivered nationally through our four offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. She also oversees delivery of key bilateral culture and education priorities under the India–UK Vision 2035.

Alison has spent over 28 years with the British Council in country, regional and global roles, much of it in the Asia-Pacific. She lived and worked largely in India for 20 years between 1997–2016 and returned as Country Director in 2023.

Her professional interests include transnational education, teacher development and language education. Outside work, she enjoys learning Hindi, practising yoga, chatting about books and exploring India’s cultural heritage.

Caroline joined the University of Reading on 1 August 2023. Her previous role was Director International at the University of Bristol and before this she worked as Director of International Partnerships at the University of Bath, heading up its International Relations Office.

Caroline has held a number of senior roles such as Head of International Development at the University of the Arts London (UAL) and Head of International Strategy at the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Her career has also seen her work as a Project Manager in the Research and Enterprise division at the University of Bristol, and as a Financial Analyst at the Ministry of Defence.  

Caroline holds a BA in Public Policy and Management from the Institut d'études politiques de Grenoble in France, and an MA in European Studies (Euromasters) and a Doctorate in Business Administration (Higher Education Management) from the University of Bath.

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), Dr Caroline Baylon leads on the University’s strategic international goals. This includes overseeing important student recruitment objectives, our international campuses, transnational education and research partnerships, and global engagement to enhance Reading’s international profile, reputation and relationships in key regions. She is on the University Executive Board. 

Benjamin Bilverstone is an experienced international student recruitment professional with a strong track record of driving growth, building global partnerships, and supporting students to achieve their educational ambitions. With over nine years’ experience across both university and agency environments, he brings a results-driven yet people-focused approach, combining data-led strategy with genuine care for student success. Known for his commercial lead from the front style and global outlook, Benjamin is passionate about creating opportunities that connect students, educators, and institutions worldwide.

Simon Bradbury is Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Provost Overseas at De Montfort University, with responsibility for the University’s international strategy, overseas campuses, transnational education partnerships and global engagement activities. He leads a diverse international portfolio spanning the Middle East, Central Asia and South East Asia, and serves as Provost of DMU Dubai. 

Simon has played a leading role in the development of overseas campuses and international partnerships, helping to expand the University’s global reach and transnational education provision. He is an active contributor to sector discussions on international higher education, quality assurance, student mobility and regulatory compliance.

Gary brings over 20 years of experience in higher education across academic leadership, portfolio development, and institutional strategy.

He was previously Associate Dean Student Success at Greenwich Business School, where he led cross-faculty strategies that improved continuation, awarding gaps, graduate outcomes, and student satisfaction, and played a central role in securing EFMD re-accreditation.

Earlier in his career he held senior roles at the University of Liverpool Management School, including Director of Education and Director of Online and Innovation, where he transformed the school’s online provision and led curriculum redesign at scale. 

Across every role, Gary has championed ambitious, data-driven and student-focused academic leadership, building high-performing teams and a culture of values-led education.

Caroline Browne is Founder and CEO of Password English Language Testing. She has more than 30 years’ experience in international education across both the public and private sectors, including as an early pioneer in transnational education at Brunel University, where she helped establish and support a wide range of overseas collaborative partnerships.

Since founding Password in 2008, Caroline has worked with universities in the UK and internationally to develop English language assessment strategies that support student access and success while safeguarding academic standards. She has particular expertise in assessment for transnational education, including the development of bespoke, university-branded tests aligned with each institution’s programmes, students and quality-assurance requirements

Charles Cormack is Founder and Chairman of Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG), a specialist Higher Education consultancy working with around 60 universities across more than 60 international markets. He founded the UK/Ukraine University Twinning programme following Russia’s full-scale invasion, bringing together over 230 universities and generating more than £70 million in support for Ukrainian higher education.

Charles serves as a Trustee of Goodenough College, sits on the Governing Board of Mariupol State University, and is a member of the Ukraine Government Commission on university governance. CCG also supports dyslexia through its sponsorship of Lincoln City Academy.

Nina Davies is the RVC’s strategic lead for global engagement and strategic partnerships and a member of the senior leadership team. She is responsible for leading a comprehensive and integrated approach to internationalisation across the RVC and has operational responsibility for global mobility, strategic partnerships and international security and risk. Nina chairs the Global Engagement Committee, International Security and Risk Group and the Humanitarian Steering Group within the RVC and is a member of the London Higher International Education Sector Group. Nina studied medieval history and has her professional qualification in law.

Michael Davis is Senior Policy Manager for International Affairs at the University of London, working across transnational education, international higher education policy and institutional partnerships. His work has a particular focus on how international and transnational education can widen access for refugees and displaced learners, including through scholarships, flexible and online provision, and partnerships with universities and specialist organisations. He currently leads the University’s work on a British Council-supported project in Egypt exploring barriers to higher education for displaced learners and practical institutional responses. His wider interests include sustainable TNE, education diplomacy, and the role of universities and international networks in expanding access to higher education.

Gary Davies is Deputy Vice-Chancellor at London Metropolitan University with responsibility for recruitment, marketing, communications and collaborations. He has an MBA in Higher Education Management from the University of London and has worked in higher education student recruitment for over 25 years at institutions across the capital, including London Guildhall University (a forerunner of London Met), Institute of Education UCL, London South Bank University and Roehampton University.

Dr Donaldson joined Universities Scotland in 2022, initially covering research policy before moving to International in 2023.  He supports all areas of internationalisation at Scottish universities and has supported the launch of a Scottish Education Exchange Programme, publication of the Scottish Government’s International Education Strategy and development of the “Come to Study.  Find Scotland” marketing campaign.  
Prior to joining Universities Scotland, Dr Donaldson spent 13 years in life sciences research at the Universities of Edinburgh and Bristol. He obtained his PhD from the University of Bristol and holds degrees from the University of Nottingham and the University of Edinburgh.

Anna Dukes is Director Global Engagement at Cardiff Metropolitan University and is responsible for delivering across a range of strategic internationalisation priorities to include global partnerships, global civic mission, global student support, student and staff international mobility, and the University’s Transnational Education (TNE) portfolio that delivers education to over 19,000 students across 13 partners in 11 countries. An experienced leader, Anna has worked in the field of international higher education for 19 years since graduating from the University of Exeter with a BA (Hons) Spanish with complementary Italian.

Professor Peter Edwards is Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen. During nearly four decades at Aberdeen, he has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Head of the School of Natural & Computing Sciences, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement, and Senior Vice-Principal. While Head of School, he established Aberdeen’s first Joint Education Institute in China – the 'Aberdeen Institute for Data Science and AI' with South China Normal University; more recently, he has overseen further expansion of Aberdeen’s TNE portfolio through the establishment of the University of Aberdeen – Mumbai, due to open in September 2026.

Daniel Emenahor is a development professional with a strong track record in designing and implementing programmes that advance higher education, employability, human capital and sustainable development across Africa. He is currently the Head of Higher Education at British Council Nigeria, where he leads a portfolio of programmes spanning transnational education, international partnerships, international student mobility, entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigerian universities, working closely with Nigeria's education ministry, regulatory bodies and UK university partners. Daniel's work focuses on strengthening higher education for positive youth outcomes, including access to quality education.

Professor Anna Fenge studied at the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Stirling. Studying for a PhD with the English Literature Department, she began teaching international students and had an epiphany. Teaching literature students on 1st and 2nd year undergraduate courses, from Shakespeare to Guy Debord, supervising Masters dissertations and convening UG modules, was stimulating and rewarding, but working with international students was singular. This was working in HE in a genuinely exigent and contested space. There was so much to be learned from international students.

In 2013 Anna went to work for international education private provider Study Group, at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, first as an English and Study Skills tutor, and then shortly thereafter as Head of English, Deputy Head of Centre and Head of Centre. Her focus on programme development and design were crucial to her involvement in the successful setting up of Durham University International Study Centre, followed by a Study Centre at the University of Aberdeen, setting up high performing teams of like individuals along the way. 

The contested environment of the international student was doubly contested in the challenging environment of the public-private partnership. Highly successful Foundation and pre-masters programmes, as well as innovations such as International Years One and Two and even pre-PhD programmes, were within her remit. As a Cluster Director she was accountable for the delivery of teaching and learning across up to seven University partnerships, from Aberdeen to Lincoln, with all the operational complexities that this involved. Anna came to Heriot-Watt as Executive Dean in June 2022, delighting in the authentically Global nature of the University, the expertise and collegiality of Heriot-Watt’s people, and her remit establishing a new School: The Global College.

Jazreel joined the British Council in 2004, leading major UK education marketing and partnership initiatives in China. She established the Education Intelligence Unit, the first global e marketing platform for international education research, and launched Generation UK in 2013, doubling the number of British students in China. During her tenure, the UK became a leading provider of transnational education in China and initiated a pioneering multilateral collaboration platform connecting partners across the UK, China, Sub Saharan Africa, and ASEAN. Jazreel returned to Malaysia in 2020 as Director Malaysia and Head of the East Asia Insights Hub. She received an MBE in 2017 and was named a Top 50 Voice 2023 by The PIE (Australian-ASEAN).

Professor Simon Guy’s Global remit is to develop, connect and lead Lancaster University’s digital, international and sustainability strategy. He is currently leading the creation of Lancaster’s new campus in Indonesia, scaling up our campus in Leipzig, Germany, while also overseeing the evolution of our other partner campuses in China, Ghana and Malaysia. Simon also leads our work on sustainability and the climate emergency, coordinating work across the University to meet our net zero goals and commitments. He also has responsibility for our digital agenda, ensuring our infrastructure and operational processes are digitally enabled to promote agility and efficiency and that digital innovation underpins our academic practices. 

Simon’s previous role was the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at Lancaster University (2014-19), and in 2017-18 he was seconded as Interim Principal/CEO for University Academy 92 to lead the establishment of the new campus and curriculum.
Previously in Simon’s career, he was Head of the School of Environment, Education and Development and founding Director of the Manchester Architecture Research Centre at the University of Manchester (2005-14). Prior to that, he was Dean of Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Newcastle.
Simon’s career began as an engineer before beginning his academic life pursuing studies in the humanities and social sciences, followed by a research career which has focused upon sustainable design and urbanism, where his interdisciplinary and international research connects architecture with urban planning, the property sector with utilities, academia with industry.

Van Anh's portfolio includes science and research, higher education, youth leadership and skills, student mobility and alumni and StudyUK. Over the past 25 years, she has built strong connections and working trust with education stakeholders at international, regional, local, and foreign ministries and institutional levels. As Head of Education, she developed an engagement strategy with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Science and Technology Viet Nam, addressing Viet Nam’s strategic priorities for a quality and inclusive higher education system toward international integration. This includes university governance, quality assurance, digital transformation, Transnational Education (TNE), gender equality and excellence in science, research, technology, and innovation. 

Nigel Holt joined the psychology department as a senior lecturer in psychology in September, 2012. He was awarded his PhD from University of York after which he worked in industry for a short spell before returning to academia as a research fellow. Since his long term as head of psychology he has focussed on recruitment  and international partnerships. His interests in personal tutoring, student support, mental health of students, transition from school/college to University and how international students integrate and can be supported are central to his role. He is now Associate Pro Vic-Chancellor international at the university.

Matthew Hornshaw is Senior Vice-President, Global Partnerships at GEDU Global Education, leading strategic university alliances and transnational education initiatives, including international branch campuses. 

With over 30 years' experience in higher education, he has worked across global recruitment, partnerships, TNE, mobility and organisational transformation, holding senior and interim roles at Hull, Leicester, York and De Montfort universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. 

At GEDU he established the partnerships function and led development of GEDU's first external university IBC with Aberystwyth University in Berlin, and is now pursuing similar projects in India, the UK, South East Asia and Europe.

Adam Hulme is a Principal Associate in the Mills & Reeve education team and specialises in advising universities on complex commercial and international projects. He has particular experience supporting institutions on transnational education arrangements, international partnerships and cross-border ventures. 

Adam is currently advising the University of York on its pioneering Mumbai campus development, helping to navigate the legal, contractual and operational issues associated with establishing a UK university presence overseas. He works closely with higher education leaders to develop practical solutions that enable institutions to achieve their strategic ambitions while managing risk effectively. 

Janet Ilieva is the founder and director of Education Insight, a research consultancy specialising in international higher education. Her research expertise focuses on global student mobility, university partnerships, national policies on global engagement and sustainable development. Since founding Education Insight in 2015, she has provided strategic research and consultancy to universities, government departments, and international organisations across Europe and Asia. Janet also serves as a university trustee and an advisor to the Technical Committee for Transnational Education of the Philippine Commission on Higher Education and is a former NAFSA Senior Fellow (2020-2021). 

Chaitanya is Co-founder and Executive Director of EMERITUS (part of the Eruditus group), which is named as the top EdTech company in the world (2024) by TIME magazine. He spearheads the Group’s global B2C business spanning 80 countries. Over the past 15 years, the Group has collaborated with over 83 universities globally, and has impacted over 2M learners.Prior to founding EMERITUS, Chaitanya worked at Sun Microsystems and INSEAD Executive Education. He holds a degree in Information Systems with distinction from B.I.T.S. Pilani and an MBA from INSEAD, where he currently serves as a visiting lecturer and Entrepreneur-in- Residence. He also led the INSEAD Alumni Association – India as President. Chaitanya has endowed B.I.T.S., Pilani’s AR/VR Lab and is a seed donor of the University’s first endowment fund. He also spearheads educational initiatives through the Kalipatnapu Foundation, improving public school infrastructure in his hometown in India and supporting scholarships for merit-cum-need students at his alma maters. Chaitanya has been honored with the “Distinguished Alumnus” award by B.I.T.S. Pilani and “Alumni Achievement Award” by INSEAD. He was recognized as “Lifelong Learning Laureate” awardee by Haas School of Business, University of Berkeley. Chaitanya is passionate about mentoring startups and driving impactful ideas. He enjoys traveling with family, racquet sports and movies. He lives in France with his wife and two kids.

Strategy and policy developer for HEIs' global and digital business collaboration, with track record of leadership, team building, partnership, recruitment, internationalisation, external relations and surplus maximisation. 

Professor David Latchman CBE is a distinguished academic, author, and philanthropist. A leading figure in UK higher education, he served as Vice-Chancellor, formally Master, of Birkbeck, University of London, for two decades and is currently Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. A Cambridge graduate with a PhD and DSc, Professor Latchman has held senior academic positions at UCL, including Chair of Human Genetics and Dean of the Institute of Child Health. His research in genetics and molecular biology led to the founding of BioVex, whose cancer therapy was later acquired by Amgen. Beyond academia, he has championed lifelong learning and serves as Chairman and Trustee of the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation. He was appointed CBE in 2010 for services to higher education.

Jess Lister is a Director at Public First, where she leads the higher education practice. She previously worked in Public Affairs at the University of Cambridge.

Chris engages across the UK education sector and internationally to build meaningful relationships. 

This ensures that the recognition voice is understood, particularly in the overlaps between government, organisation and institution needs. Chris chairs a UNESCO working group on the Global Convention, designed specifically to facilitate recognition of TNE. He is a member of the UK delegation on the UNESCO convention bureau. Chris represents UK ENIC within the ENIC-NARIC network. He oversees the delivery of UK ENIC's conferences and directs programme development to ensure inclusivity, relevance and a broad appeal.

David Main is a veterinary surgeon and Professor of Production Animal Health and Welfare at the Royal Agricultural University. He has research interests in science and practice of knowledge exchange, animal welfare assessment and improvement strategies, and animal welfare education. Former member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, Soil Association Council, and the former chair of the Home Office Animals in Science Committee. He is also a member of McDonald’s Global Chicken Sustainability Advisory Council.

Previous initiatives include the AssureWel project, a collaboration with RSPCA and Soil Association that introduced welfare outcomes into certification schemes, and the Healthy Feet Project that has been widely adopted by the UK dairy industry. He was also project co-ordinator for Hennovation, an EU H2020 project that investigated the value of participatory approaches to innovation in the laying hen sector.

Anisa Mahmood is the Policy Officer for South and Central Asia at Universities UK International (UUKi). She engages with governments, universities, and sector partners to strengthen the internationalisation of higher education. Her role includes policy development, research, and stakeholder engagement across UUKi's three core thematic areas: research and innovation, global mobility and student recruitment, and transnational education. She previously worked as a political adviser and in public diplomacy. 

Ben Matthews is the Director of Global Networks and Partnerships at the University of Glasgow. He leads efforts to forge collaborations with institutions, governments, and industry, advancing educational opportunities, research excellence, and civic engagement. 

The portfolio of strategic partnerships supports Glasgow's international strategy, positioning it as a leader in addressing global challenges. Previously, he held a leadership role at Lancaster University, focusing on transnational education across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With experience as a Students' Union Deputy Chief Executive, Ben blends commercial insight with a commitment to global citizenship and meaningful partnerships for impactful change.

Zoe is responsible for bringing the University of Southampton’s international campus agenda to life. Southampton has had a campus in south Malaysia since 2012 and was the first university in the world to have a full campus approved under new regulations in India. The campus opened in Delhi in August 2025 and is now transitioning into Business as Usual. 

Zoë has significant public and private sector experience in international education, encompassing TEFL; study abroad; student recruitment; marketing communications; pathways; K-12; admissions; consulting; and edtech.
Zoë holds an MSc in Charity Marketing and Fundraising from Bayes Business School, London.

Steven McGuire is Senior PVC and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of East Anglia.  He is responsible for UEA's international activity and is also a member of UEA's Council.  He was previously at the University of Sussex, where he served as dean of the business school. 

Scott works for HESA leading the Data Developments team in Data Insights and Solutions.  A central focus of the team's work is building data dashboards using HESA's open data in support of key sector areas, such as International/transnational students. Scott has been working in educational data analytics for over a decade, having previously worked in frontline education delivery. Prior to moving to HESA (Jisc), he worked for the Scottish Funding Council managing collections such as the College Leaver Destinations and Scotland's Further Education Statistics, and was the designer of the National Articulation Database tracking college to university movement in Scotland.

Suzan Mozher

Head of Education, British Council Saudi Arabia

With over 16 years of international education leadership, Suzan Mozher drives high-impact academic partnerships between the UK and Saudi Arabia. At the British Council, she spearheads Transnational Education (TNE) and bilateral research, launching TNE Exploratory Grants, directing co-funded research frameworks, commissioning the national TNE Handbook, and leading research capacity programs like Researcher Connect. Previously, as Deputy Education Attaché at the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh, she expanded regional educational diplomacy and negotiated key bilateral agreements, including a landmark aviation licensing MOC with Saudi Arabia’s GACA.

Elizabeth Newall is a senior sector specialist (digital transformation) and contributes to Jisc’s research, thought leadership and consultancy into the digital transformation of learning, teaching and assessment in higher education. In doing this, she works closely with Jisc members and experts from the UK HE sector to gather requirements to inform how Jisc can support the sector in the challenges they are facing. Areas of current focus include the digital experience of international and transnational education students, rethinking learning and curriculum design, and assessing institutional digital maturity.

Anya O’Connor is Head of International Partnerships at Queen’s University Belfast. Her team are responsible for management of the university’s strategic partnerships and major partner projects such as TNE. Anya has worked in international education for over 15 years, holding roles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

She is a proud Belfast native and is passionate about enhancing Northern Ireland’s global footprint. Anya is graduate of the Washington Ireland Programme, a fellow of the British American Project and a former board member for Tourism Northern Ireland. She is a graduate of the University of Glasgow and University of Ulster.

Dr Ibiyemi Omeihe is Programme Leader for the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, the MSc Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Dual Award), and the recently appointed MSc Digital Marketing programme at the University of the West of Scotland. An award-winning academic and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, her research focuses on authentic leadership, entrepreneurship, transnational education, and international partnerships. Under her leadership, the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme was shortlisted for the UKCISA Awards 2025, while the MSc Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme was shortlisted for the PIEoneer Awards 2026, recognising excellence internationally.

Rittika is the Director Education for British Council in India. She has over 30 years of experience in the education sector in a variety of roles spanning schools, skills, non-formal education and higher education. She has worked with the British Council for over 20 years.  

In her current role, she is responsible for the strategic direction of British Council’s education portfolio in India – one of the largest education systems in the world. Some of her recent achievements include deepening education collaborations between UK and India through successful negotiations for the formalisation of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) policy and, the conceptualisation and delivery of Going Global Partnerships programme in India.  

As bridge between the UK and India she has worked in supporting UK universities to set up branch campuses in India and conceptualised the UK Education Hub in British Council India as a single coordinated portal for UK HEI’s to get support from HMG network in India to realise their vision for engagement with India.  

In recognition of her work in the field of education, she was awarded the honorary Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023.

Professor Stuart Perrin is Chief Officer of (Education) Ecology at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), where he brings together pedagogy, policy, people and technology to support the University’s future development. Previously, as Associate Principal, he led the development and launch of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), which delivers industry-embedded education and research and supports student entrepreneurship. From August 2026, he will take up the role of Director of Global Outreach and Community.

Pilsbury is Oxford International’s CDO. He sits on the boards of JISC, CBBC, THE, StudyPortals, EURIE, Emirates Aviation University and Macao Millenium College. He is Secretary and member of the International Higher Education Commission. He led Coventry’s international transformation to become the 3rd largest recruiter; largest provider of programmes overseas; and host to the world’s largest global enhancement programme. He has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, EAIE’s premiere internationalisation award and is a VTC Honorary Fellow. Pilsbury was founding CEO of WUN, HEFCE Head of Research Policy and spent several years in the City after a D.Phil at Oxford.
 

Martin Priestley is a partner and Head of Education at Mills & Reeve and is one of the UK's leading advisers to universities and other education providers. He works with institutions on complex strategic and transformational projects, often with an international dimension.

 Martin has extensive experience of advising universities on internationalisation and transnational education initiatives, including international partnerships, the establishment of branch campuses in India and large-scale institutional collaborations. He regularly works with vice-chancellors, governing bodies and executive teams on sector-leading projects and is recognised for his practical and commercially focused advice. 

Martin is a co-author of the Radical Collaboration report which Mills & Reeve published in collaboration with KPMG in July 2025. 

Eduardo Ramos has a career spanning 20 years in regulation, policy and operations of international education in the UK, France, Spain and the United States. As Global Head of TNE, he currently leads the strategy, pursuit and implementation of relevant activities of the British Council Going Global Partnerships programme: Some of the large-scale initiatives in his portfolio include the Transnational Education (TNE) Strategy, the Transnational Education Exploratory Grants, and the longstanding Gender Equality Partnerships Grants.

Anjali is the Policy Advisor for Transnational education and Responsible Internationalisation at Universities UK International. She works with representatives from across the sector to support engagement across global research, transnational education, student mobility and recruitment. 

As Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary at Cardiff University, Dr Paula Sanderson leads the development and delivery of the University’s professional services. Her current focus includes implementing Professional Services transformation, strengthening student-facing services, and improving organisational effectiveness and ways of working. 

She also provides executive leadership for governance, legal, compliance, risk and internal assurance, supporting Council and the University Executive Board. Paula is helping shape Cardiff’s international ambitions, including the development of strategic education, research and innovation partnerships overseas, while ensuring that change is delivered responsibly, collaboratively and with clear institutional oversight.

Leina is the Director Education for the British Council, China. Leina leads the development and implementation of UK-China Education portfolio across complex partnerships, programmes, and contracts across mixed funding streams and business models across China and East Asia. Leina has extensive experience in international higher education, strategy development and transnational education project development and management with a strong track record of full execution of large and complex projects and programmes globally. An experienced leader in the UK Higher Education, Leina has held senior roles as the institutional lead on developing, communicating, and implementing Universities’ International Strategy. 

Matei Sirbu is a part of the Payments Sales team at StoneX, managing relationships with universities, businesses and international aid & development organisations.

Matei works closely with the global StoneX Payments team to develop treasury solutions suited for the needs of universities operating internationally.

Shannon is Director of International Policy & Engagement at QAA, leading QAA’s strategic collaboration with governments and agencies around the world to benefit UK higher education and its international reputation, and to collaborate on key international projects. Her role encompasses partnership building, policy development, thought leadership, research, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to this, she was worked in roles focused on policy at Universities UK International and global mobility at Goldsmiths, University of London. Shannon holds a master’s degree in International Education and Development from the University of Sussex.  

Ines Teresa-Palacio is Studyportals' Director of Analytics and Consulting. She is a higher education specialist, advisor and consultant with over two decades of experience working across multiple markets (UK, EMEA, South Asia and the Americas). Ines has held senior roles at UK and European universities (including at C-Level) leading marketing, student recruitment, international growth and global strategies. She has also worked as an independent consultant for several years, running her own company and collaborating with larger consultancy firms. During her career, Ines has developed, led and implemented multiple growth, positioning, brand, engagement, go-to-market and portfolio development initiatives internationally. She has served at various advisory boards, is a CASE Laureate and frequent speaker at sector events.

Dr Suzanna Tomassi is Executive Director of External Affairs at NCUK and Founder of CoachEd Global, an executive coaching and education consultancy. A qualified executive coach and strategic leader, she brings over 20 years’ experience across UK Government and HE, specialising in internationalisation, TNE, governance, policy and global growth. 

Her career spans the UK Department for Business and Trade and four major UK universities, where she has led international expansion, shaped policy and quality frameworks, and developed cross-border partnerships. Suzanna holds a PhD, MBA, and two Master’s degrees, is a Senior Fellow of AdvanceHE, and regularly publishes and presents on international HE, global engagement, leadership, and sector innovation.

Fabrizio Trifiró is Programme Director of the Education World Forum (EWF), at Times Higher Education, the world’s largest gathering of education ministers. He has held senior roles at the QAA and UK ENIC, leading on transnational education and international engagement. He advises internationally on TNE and quality assurance and serves on the INQAAHE Board, the British Accreditation Council Accreditation Committee, and the Board of Governors of Wrexham University. In October 2026 he will join Bath Spa University as Associate PVC for Educational Partnerships.

Geoffrey is Global Head of Partnerships. He is responsible for all partnerships entered into by GEDU Education Group, including international branch campuses, domestic managed campuses, progression, articulation and dual award agreements globally. Prior to joining GEDU, he served and Group CEO of Higher Education Partners (an international online programme management company), founded Cambridge Education Group Digital (a UK based OPM) and served before that as Group Strategy and Development Director for INTO University Partnerships.

Sally Wheeler became Vice Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London in January 2024. Prior to that she was DVC at the Australian National University. She is an academic lawyer by background.

Tom Windle has over 20 years’ experience in higher education partnerships. He held senior international partnerships roles at UCL, Royal Holloway and the University of Surrey, where he led international strategy and developed TNE partnerships. Tom also brings extensive experience of university-private sector collaboration, particularly in transnational and online education, including his work with OPM provider Higher Ed Partners. As Director of Partnerships at Password English Language Testing, he works with UK universities to address international recruitment and admissions challenges through accessible and high-quality English language assessment. His specific interests include TNE, international student recruitment and sustainable partnership development.

David is Group Director of External Relations at the University of Liverpool, responsible for leading the External Relations function comprising Marketing; Communications and Public Affairs; Global Student Recruitment and Outreach; Global Engagement and Partnerships; and Development and Alumni Relations.
David was previously at the University of Southampton, most recently serving as Executive Director, Student Life with a broad portfolio encompassing Global Student Recruitment and WP; Student Support, Experience and Engagement; Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise. In 2025 he spent six months seconded to India overseeing the implementation of Southampton’s new campus in Delhi.