Ahmet Aydın is COO of Constructor Knowledge and Vice President of Growth and Engagement at Constructor University. He leads international student recruitment, marketing, communications, events, and CRM across a global higher education ecosystem. With over 15 years of experience in international education and digital growth, Ahmet brings a strategic, data-driven perspective to innovation, partnerships, and scalable education models worldwide.

Akos Kiraly is a senior leader in international higher-education marketing and strategic sales. With extensive experience across institutions including Lancaster University Leipzig, SRH Hochschule Berlin and GISMA Business School, he specialises in global student recruitment, business development and growth strategies. As Prokurist at SRH Higher Education GmbH in Heidelberg, he drives international expansion initiatives, including new market development and partnerships. A multilingual speaker, he regularly delivers workshops and lectures across Europe on topics such as internationalisation.

Alexandra is the Managing Partner of College Contact, an AIRC-certified student recruitment agency based in Frankfurt that supports students from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in finding the right study abroad opportunities. With an academic background in international relations and 20+ years of experience in international education, she is a passionate advocate for studying abroad and the transformative power of intercultural learning, and currently serves as an agency delegate on the AIRC Board of Directors

I have extensive experience in international student recruitment, having worked at the universities of Oxford, Southampton, and Sussex (UK). Over the years, I have led teams responsible for recruitment across the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as developing strategies for recruitment through pathways and from international schools worldwide. In my current role as Deputy Associate Director International at Sussex, I manage marketing, administrative, and agent-facing teams. In 2025, I was proud to be nominated for a Sussex Award for my work with Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars, which I combined with my long-standing commitment to mentoring and Widening Participation. I was Project Lead for the University of Oxford’s first-ever Virtual Open Day in 2020, which reached over 30,000 prospective students globally, and received a Senior Leadership Team Recognition Award for this work. 

With over two decades of experience across Europe, the Americas and Asia, Alix Hernández has shaped the international education landscape through leadership roles in admissions, marketing, and community relations. Her work draws on strong insights from student recruitment, global mobility, community engagement and strategic enrolment. Passionate about global citizenship, intercultural communication, DEI and human centred service design, she is currently based in Shanghai and using this transition period to deepen her sector engagement. A past recipient of the CIS Future Leader Award, she remains committed to strengthening inclusive and globally minded learning ecosystems.

Amanda Johnson, Ph.D., is Director of Kent State University’s Gerald H. Read Center for International and Intercultural Education, where she leads major global engagement initiatives, teacher-training programs, and international partnerships across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she has designed and managed multimillion-dollar U.S. Department of State–funded exchanges, microcredential programs, and global leadership trainings for thousands of educators worldwide. A strategic thinker and advocate for global learning, Dr. Johnson brings deep expertise to impactful teaching and learning.

Dr. Andrés González is a political scientist based in Quito-Ecuador. He obtained his PhD in Political Science and International Relations at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich and has taught in several universities and high schools in Germany and Ecuador. He is the President and Academic Director of POLITIKUM, a private education corporation based in Quito and Berlin. The work of POLITIKUM is focused on citizenship and political education, as well as on academic and professional coaching for high school and university students. POLITIKUM’s latest project is the promotion of the concept of Corporate Political Responsibility for companies in Ecuador and Latin America. Dr. González is also the author of the book “Governance for the 21st Century: The Fight Against Corruption in Latin America (LIT Publishing House).

Professor Angelos Stefanidis is the Founding Dean of the School of AI and Advanced Computing at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China. He is an experienced academic leader with a long record of international partnership development, large-scale programme innovation, and strategic research growth across AI, digital health, IoT and computing. His career spans senior roles in the UK and China, with achievements in transnational education, industry collaboration, and large research initiatives. A Chartered IT Professional and Fellow of the HEA, he has chaired major reviews, led accreditation processes, and contributed extensively to global higher education development.

I am a graduate of Istanbul University, Department of Economics, with nearly 20 years of experience in international education consultancy based in Istanbul. For the past 10 years, I have been working with my spouse under the umbrella of Real International Education. I have supported hundreds of Turkish students in achieving their dreams of studying abroad, helping them build better lives through the international education opportunities they pursued.

Becky is a higher education leader specialising in global engagement, strategic partnerships, and cross-functional institutional development. With experience spanning international campuses, student mobility, global institutes, and organizational transformation, she brings a systems-thinking approach to advancing institutional priorities. Becky has led high-impact initiatives that strengthen global relationships, enhance student experiences, and support operational excellence. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 leader, she is known for her collaborative style, strategic insight, and commitment to fostering inclusive, globally connected learning environments.

Dr. Cheryl Matherly serves as vice president and vice provost for international affairs at Lehigh University, guiding its internationalization strategy. In 2021, Lehigh received NAFSA’s Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. Dr. Matherly’s work focuses on employability and education abroad, especially regarding international internships and experiential learning. A former AIEA president, she was named SIO of the Year by IIE in 2020 and recognized by PIE as one of North America’s 50 Voices. She holds an Ed.D. from the University of Houston, an M.S. from Indiana University, and a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, and is a two-time Fulbright recipient.

Christina Bosilo, Director of Brock International, has more than 15 years of experience in post-secondary education, including recruitment, admissions and student awards. Christina has a deep understanding of the impact that effective internationalization can have, and the importance of embedding this work throughout many academic, administrative, and student experiences. Christina re-joined Brock International after 5 years in the office of the registrar, as Director of Admissions. Prior to her role in admissions, Christina spent 11 years in international services, support services for international students, student mobility and strategic partnership experience. She received her education at Brock with a Masters in Political Science (International Relations specialization), and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science.

Christopher is the CEO of the ILSC Education Group, which encompasses ELS Language Centers, ILSC Language Schools, and Greystone College locations across Australia, Canada, India, and the USA. Christopher is an experienced senior executive in the higher education sector, having held roles at vocational colleges in Canada and the USA and was previously a VP in EY's Transaction Advisory Services Group. Since 2020, Christopher has been an active Executive Committee member of the Board of Directors of Languages Canada. He is the Vice Chair of the Canadian CIRP Qualification Program and has been involved in its education process since 2011.

Conrad Heyns is the Director of the Centre for Academic Language and Literacies at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is an inspector for five different quality assurance schemes: the BALEAP Accreditation Scheme (BAS), the Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality Language Services (Eaquals), the International House World Organisation (IHWO), the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) TrustEd scheme.

I have worked in international education throughout my career, primarily in student recruitment related roles. Predominantly, I have specialised in the Middle East, as I was Regional Manager for the University of Birmingham in this region for 3 years, and have also worked on the Chevening Scholarship reading committees for countries in this region for a number of years. I currently lead the Professional Services Team in the Law School at the University of Birmingham, and have oversight of our international partnerships, being an integral part of the team that launch an undergraduate law degree in Dubai, and having worked to establish partnerships in Malaysia, Thailand and Canada.

Devina Sivagurunathan is the Executive Director of MABECS, Malaysia’s most experienced UK education agency. Devina has 20 years of student recruitment experience in Malaysia and the UK. She was an International Officer at The University of Warwick and SOAS, University of London. She had a short foray into the world of football when she spent a year as the International Marketing Manager at UCFB. She then spent two years as the Head of International Recruitment at the University of the Arts London before deciding it was time to move to warmer climes to helm MABECS. 

Dirk Figueiredo is a senior international education leader with over 25 years’ experience across education, aviation and sales. Currently Global Sales Manager at Wimbledon School of English, he works closely with executive leadership on international growth, market strategy and partner development across Europe, Asia and Latin America. His perspective is shaped by long term, cross cultural collaboration with international agents, institutions and education networks.

I have over 20 years of experience in international education, with a background spanning international admissions, student recruitment, pastoral care, and business development. I’m passionate about connecting people, building partnerships, and creating global opportunities that empower students and institutions. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to advancing global engagement and fostering meaningful relationships that make a lasting impact.

With over 35 years experience working in leadership roles in tertiary education, with a [articular focus upon international education I have a deep understanding of the sector both locally and(Australia) and more broadly. I have held senior roles on peak bodies and provided detailed advise and guidance on numerous government committees (state and federal) in relation to international students & providers, students safety & wellbeing, academic matters and more. I currently convene IHEAs International provider network (since 2022), and was recently elected to the executive of ISANA. I am an active member of IEAA and have strong working relationships with English Australia.

Flora took up the position of CEO at the Chartered Association of Business Schools and Executive Director of the Small Business Charter on 1st May 2023. Prior to this, she was the Director of Financial Services at the CBI. Whilst there she was responsible for directing the CBI’s lobbying on issues related to financial services, including sustainable finance and for the development of guidance materials for small and mid-tier businesses She also had the responsibility for the CBI’s overall relationship management with the key UK and global players in the financial services sector. Prior to joining the CBI in 2014, Flora has worked for the ATM Industry Association, Public Relations Consultants Association and Association of Measurement & Evaluation of Communication. Her earlier career included working for The Profile Group, BBC Worldwide and Two-Ten Communications, a Press Association subsidiary.

François is a senior higher education leader and international consultant with 30 years of experience across six countries on four continents. He specialises in university strategy, research management, and global education trends, with significant leadership roles in Africa, Asia, and Europe. François advises universities on branding, talent, and research impact, regularly publishing and consulting for global academic audiences. He is also deeply interested in sustainable development and integrating innovation and AI into academic strategy, and is an active content creator and advocate for international collaboration in the sector.

Gavin has had 30 years of experience in education. He has held numerous leadership roles with the New Zealand education system including roles as an Assistant and Deputy Principal. Currently as International Director at Nayland College, Gavin is responsible for the marketing, recruitment and pastoral care of the international students attending the College from various countries around the world. Gavin is passionate about international globalisation and providing opportunities for students to experience different cultures. In 2024 Gavin was awarded the Schools International Business Association of New Zealand (SIEBA) Service Award for Outstanding Leadership in International Education.

With nearly two decades in global marketing, I specialise in shaping education products that reach learners everywhere. My career spans leadership roles at the British Council, Pearson, and Kaplan, where I’ve launched international campaigns, built digital strategies, and enabled global sales teams. Growing up in a family of educators, I’ve focused my work on international education—where technology, AI, curriculum and pedagogy intersect to expand access to high-quality learning worldwide. I’m passionate about elevating student experience, supporting cross-border mobility, and building brands that help learners achieve their ambitions in an increasingly global, connected world.

Holly Sanders is the Chief Transformation Officer at World Education Services. Currently, she oversees a multi-year project that aims to improve technological and organisational structures that undergird WES’ core business so that the organisation continues to grow in a dynamic and competitive landscape. Throughout her career, Holly has taken on complex projects that need strategic oversight and a strong and decisive leader who can manage competing departmental priorities. With a well-earned reputation as a highly effective problem-solver, Holly is also an empathetic leader who looks for ways to blend the strengths of people, processes, and technology to improve results and drive change.

Dr Ianis G. Matsoukas is Deputy Principal (Strategic Projects & Reputation) and a member of the Academic Council of the University of Keele – Greece. He led the full development and establishment of the University of Keele’s Greek campus, including the academic, regulatory, and partnership frameworks underpinning its new School of Medicine. An international higher education strategist with a PhD from Warwick and postdoctoral research at Cornell, ETH-Zurich, and Warwick, he previously served in senior UK HE roles and now shapes governance, innovation, and institutional visibility across Europe, contributing regularly to QS Conferences, Times Higher Education, and British Council fora.

I lead global student recruitment and admissions at University College London, driving bold transformation that reimagines how students connect with higher education worldwide. With nearly two decades of experience, I’ve championed data-driven innovation, digital engagement, and market diversification to deliver growth and equity at scale. My work spans pioneering CRM strategies, international partnerships, and scholarship frameworks. Currently completing a Doctorate at the University of Bath, I explore the global marketisation of higher education. As a UCAS board member, I've shaped sector-wide strategy and advocate for ideas that inspire change and redefine student engagement globally.

Jonathan Galloway is a Professor of Comparative Competition Law and Regulation, an Attorney at Law (New York), and is the Provost and CEO of Newcastle University’s campus in Singapore. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to his role, having held various leadership positions across a diverse range of portfolios and disciplines, including Head of Newcastle Law School, and Associate Dean for Internationalisation and Strategic Projects. His expertise lies in developing strategic partnerships, driving academic excellence, and fostering an inclusive culture of continuous improvement, whilst also being passionate about education, and global engagement, as drivers for social mobility.

Prof. José Celso Freire Junior has a PhD degree in Computer Science from Grenoble Alpes University, France. He is an Associate Professor at São Paulo State University, UNESP, in Brazil, and the current Associate Provost for International Affairs. Prof Freire is the President of FAUBAI, the Brazilian Association for International Education, and, in his internationalisation trajectory, has served as a panellist at several international education events, including Going Global, EAIE, NAFSA, and AIEA.

I have over a decade of experience in the international education industry, specialising in marketing, operations, event management and quality assurance. My career is driven by a passion for bringing the world closer together and delivering high-quality experiences for students, agents and partners. Alongside my role at Quality English, I founded Gecko Projects, providing reliable, hands-on support to organisations across the sector in my key areas of expertise. I also volunteer as an Assessor for Green Standard Schools, contributing to environmentally responsible practices. I am passionate about excellence and sustainability and committed to advancing quality across international education.

Dr. Kelly McGee is Senior Director, University Partnerships at EUSA - Academic Internship Experts, a non-profit educational organization that works in partnership with colleges to create for-credit academic internship programs across Europe. She has spent her career building and leading global initiatives in higher education, government and government-adjacent work, language-immersion programs, and the non-profit sphere, all of which have been formative to her philosophy around work in international education.

Kyla Steenhart is an experienced insights and research professional specialising in market intelligence and international education strategy. Based in New Zealand but with extensive global experience, she leads work that translates data into actionable insights to inform government and institutional decision-making, enhance student experience, and achieve global education ambitions. With a background in education-related policy, sector analysis and market research, Kyla brings a deep understanding of global trends shaping student mobility and engagement. She is passionate about using evidence-based insights to advance the role of education as a force for positive global impact.

Margherita is an accomplished professional with over 16 years of experience in higher education, primarily at Università Cattolica (Italy), where she oversees partner relations and study abroad program development. She currently serves on the CANIE Global Board, following 2 years as the Europe President. Margherita has been a leading advocate for climate action in Higher Ed since 2020, contributing to the creation of the CANIE Accord and designing and leading the#TravelWithCANIE initiative that won the PIE Sustainability Int'l Impact Award in 2024. She is a certified expert in virtual and in-person training (EAIE, NAFSA, Forum). She holds 2 Master's degrees and speaks 4 languages fluently.

At Waipapa Taumata Rau|University of Auckland, Martin has implemented an institution-wide internationalisation strategy that weaves Te Ao Māori indigenous principles into its design. With three decades of international education experience, Martin’s work has covered a broad portfolio of activities including admissions, recruitment, enquiries, mobility, partnerships, transnational education, student experience and marketing. Martin holds an MBA in Higher Education Management at the Institute of Education, University College London and is Co-Chair of Universities New Zealand’s International Committee.

Melissa Deschamps is a Regional Manager with EducationUSA, based in Doha, Qatar. She manages a dynamic portfolio of centers covering 13 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. With over 25 years of international education experience, she has worked in non-profit, university, and governmental settings. Throughout her career, she has facilitated intercultural learning experiences, developed educational programs, managed exchange opportunities, and worked with students and professionals in an advisory capacity. Melissa has a bachelor’s in communication from Seton Hall University, a master’s in international education from New York University, and an EdD from Spalding University.

I am a Director at Think Pacific, a UK social enterprise delivering ethical, high-impact global mobility programmes in Fiji, Bali and Thailand. With over 15 years’ experience building international partnerships across higher and further education, I specialise in sustainable programme design, student development and innovative approaches to global experiential learning. Under my leadership, Think Pacific was proud to win a PIEoneer Award in 2023 and be named a finalist again in 2025. I work closely with universities, governments and NGOs to create transformative, culturally immersive experiences that enhance student employability, global citizenship and long-term community impact.

Philipp Reichert is a senior leader and strategist in international higher education, serving as director of global engagement at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus and founder of PN Reichert Consulting. He holds leadership roles with the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), serves on the board of directors of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), and is a member of the UBC Board of Governors. His work bridges policy, institutional strategy, and the student experience, shaping national and international approaches to immigration, mobility, and global engagement.

Pooja drives the Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships between Australian and Indian institutions at the university and school level. In her numerous roles spanning two decades, she has worked across industries in the US, Germany, India and lived in Nigeria and the UK.​ Pooja’s commercial acumen and wealth of experience in the education sector are instrumental in advancing bilateral collaborations and fostering new opportunities for Australia-South Asia cooperation. She is also a motivational speaker and has spoken on numerous stages both in the corporate arena and education sector.

A pioneer of the international education industry for over 30 years, Rob has helped create many of the world’s most celebrated initiatives. These have included the due diligence behind scores of offshore campuses, TNE partnerships, national brand strategies and new global ventures. 2014 recipient of the IEAA Award for Distinguished Contribution to International Education, he has conducted 160,000+ personal interviews across 38 countries, for 61 universities, 90 institutions, numerous governments & groups. Rob has worked across strategy, research, marketing & comms. He has world best practice due diligence credentials & exemplar knowledge of market behaviours, dynamics & selection drivers.

Rohit Sharma is the CEO International for the IU Group which is the holding company behind IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany’s largest private university as well as the Walbrook Institute London (formerly known as LIBF) in the UK and the University of Fredericton (UFred) in Canada. In his role, Rohit oversees the UK & Canada operations, as well as spearheads the group’s expansion ambitions into additional markets worldwide. With extensive global experience across the human capital sector spanning higher education, workforce development, and assessments, Rohit has held key roles at Laureate Education, ThriveDX, ACAMS, and most recently at ETS.

I have worked for 15 years in International Higher Education as part of BPP University. I have grown the Business School from 500 students in 2017 to 15,000 international students in 2025 and have led innovation across programme design, onboarding and support for international students. I have driven market development in regions such as India, Pakistan, Nepal and China and have set up a global recruitment office in Dubai. I am on the BPP Education Group executive team as the Chief of International Student Strategy and I am Dean of Higher Education within BPP University. In 2026 I will be leading BPP's global strategy including institutions in Canada and Australia.

I am the Chief Operating Officer of OneStep Global, a leading market-entry firm in South Asia supporting universities with transnational education, high school engagement, and government relations. Based in Gurgaon, I work closely with the founder to drive strategic growth and deliver impactful client solutions. With over 16 years of experience in international education, I have held leadership roles at ETS, Education New Zealand, and Domus Academy, following earlier positions with Pearson, NIIT, XSEED Education, and IndusInd Bank. My expertise spans student mobility, strategic partnerships, and market development across diverse global education ecosystems.

Sirin Myles is Co-Founder and Director of The IC Global, a training, development and consultancy organisation advancing internationalisation and global engagement in higher education. The IC Global was co-founded by Sirin and Charlene Allen in 2020, reflecting their shared commitment to building a supportive and values-led professional community for the sector. Sirin has over 25 years’ international leadership experience across diplomatic and higher education organisations, including senior roles at the British Council, the University of Southampton and the University of Reading. She now leads and works globally as a consultant, adviser and accredited leadership coach.

Dr Steffen Sommer, Director General of Misk Schools, is a passionate linguist and High Performance Learning (HPL) expert with over 30 years of senior leadership experience in Europe and the Middle East. He is an Honorary Vice President of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), a co-founder of the international division of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, and an HPL Fellow. He was named one of The PIE's 50 Voices 2025 – International Schools edition.

As founder and CEO of Interlearn Global, Stephen leads innovation for access to higher education around the world, building social-impact collaborative university programs for underserved students and families across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. With over three decades of academic and enterprise experience, and a rich background in teaching and learning, institutional partnerships, and strategic engagement across diverse interests, Stephen is committed to education as a force for personal, community, and global change. Prior to founding Interlearn Global, Stephen taught at Harvard University and served as Senior Vice President at Kaplan International. He is a graduate of Pomona College and Princeton University, where he received a PhD in modern European intellectual history.

Stephen Carey is a recognised global marketing and partnerships leader with 20+ years of success driving growth for English language assessments, and in supporting international education standards. Stephen has worked with governments, sector bodies and institutions to ensure they incorporate English Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) into their decision-making. Currently at ELSA, Stephen acts as Senior Advisor on partnership development and promotion of the authority, ensuring increased transparency and visibility for rigorous standards of validity, reliability, fairness and security – critical for ensuring the duty of care to international students, as well as ensuring long-term success for institutions. Stephen is highly regarded internationally as an expert in promotion, partnership development and testing, as well as being a passionate advocate for quality in international education, and soft power in international relations.

Combining his experience as current Chair of UNESCO's Global Recognition Convention with past experience as President of ENIC Recognition Network, Director of Academic Affairs at Norwegian HEI and as a diplomat to UNESCO, Stig Arne is well placed to offer expertise in international education. An active contributor of insights to international higher education media such as The PIE News, Stig Arne has also previously been nominated for The PIEoneer Awards twice.

Sunita is a collaborative data and strategy leader at Kaplan International, known for guiding teams toward insight-driven decision-making and meaningful business impact. She specialises in transforming complex data challenges into clear priorities, fostering strong partnerships across academic, commercial, and technical teams. With a focus on improving recruitment performance and enabling smarter forecasting, Sunita champions a culture where intent becomes measurable impact. She brings energy, thoughtfulness, and a people-first approach to her work, empowering teams to connect, grow, and deliver results that matter.

Thomson Ch'ng is an award-winning international education professional with over a decade of experience. He is currently a key member of Study NT, an agency within the Northern Territory Government of Australia. Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, as a third-generation Chinese Malaysian, Thomson moved to Australia as an international student in 2009. He was a Founding Delegate and National President of the then Australia’s peak body for international students, and co-convenor of the inaugural ASEAN-Australia Education Dialogue (AAED). Thomson also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the UN Trade and Development's Youth Action Hubs to empower global youth for a sustainable future.

I am a global communications and marketing strategist with more than 15 years of experience in international education. I have led marketing, communications, and student recruitment in Canada and New Zealand, designing campaigns that drive enrolment, build trust, and strengthen institutional reputation. My work spans multi market nurture journeys, digital transformation, AI informed strategy, and high impact storytelling. I have delivered international development projects in Africa and Asia and spoken at global conferences on data driven recruitment and student-centred communications. I specialize in bringing clarity, structure, and human insight to complex global challenges.

Victoria M. Bamond, PhD, is an international higher-education leader with over two decades of experience advancing academic excellence and global learning. She has served as CAO/Provost at Schiller International University, overseeing academic strategy across four international campuses, and has held senior leadership roles at Universidad Europea, driving innovation, internationalization, and digital transformation. A published researcher and award-winning educator, she has contributed to global panels, research, and advisory boards, including Cambridge University Press and Technovation Girls. Her long-standing commitment to quality, global engagement, and academic innovation are undeniable.

Wagaye is a senior international education leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation, access, and growth across the United States and Europe. She spent 15 years at the Institute of International Education, designing and managing global fellowship programs and leading the PIEoneer award-winning Generation Study Abroad initiative. Her career spans leadership roles at DAAD, EducationUSA, DA Global Access Network, and World Learning. A champion of emerging organizations and disruptive innovation, Wagaye serves on the education committee for the Netherlands American Foundation and on the Advisory Council of the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies.