Our people

Dr Tim Bradshaw - Chief Executive

Chief Executive

Tim has a wealth of experience working within higher education, business and government. He leads the Russell Group in providing representation, strategic direction, policy development and advocacy for the UK’s 24 research-intensive universities.

He worked at the Russell Group for four-and-a-half years – as Head of Policy for Research and Innovation, and later Director of Policy – before being appointed as Chief Executive. He joined the organisation in 2012 from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where he was Head of Group, leading work on the Industrial Strategy, manufacturing, competitiveness, university-business collaboration and science and technology policy.

Previously, Tim was independent secretary to the Science Advisory Council at DEFRA and has worked for the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee as a specialist assistant and for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. He went to the University of Leicester and the Open University and has a PhD in geology and geochemistry. 

You can contact Tim via his PA, Debbie Halpenny: CEO.office@russellgroup.ac.uk

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Adam Clarke

Communications Manager

Adam is responsible for working with the policy team on briefings, provides support in external affairs and works with the media

Dr Alexis Brown

Policy Manager

Alexis is responsible for policy areas including those covering university fees and funding

Ben Moore

Policy Analyst

Ben is responsible for policy relating to immigration and visas

 

Cat Turhan

Policy Analyst

 

Cat is responsible for policy areas covering university access, inclusion, admissions and qualifications

 

Debbie Halpenny

Executive PA to CEO

 

Debbie supports the CEO  

 

Elena Moya

Business Manager

Elena is responsible for managing day-to-day operational activities with particular responsibility for finances, IT and estates activities 

Emily Ray

Senior Events and Strategic Communications Manager

Emily is responsible for all of our events and works on broader communications strategy

Hamir Patel

Media Relations Manager

 

Hamir is responsible for press engagement, communicating our policies to news and sector publications

Dr Hollie Chandler

Head of Policy (Higher Education)

Hollie oversees policy work relating to education and teaching excellence, funding, regulation and widening access to universities

James Hallwood

External Relations Manager

 

James is responsible for political and parliamentary and wider stakeholder engagement

 

Jessica Cole

Director of Policy

Jess oversees all our policy work including research and innovation, international, education and teaching, funding and regulation

Joanna Burton

Policy Manager

Joanna is responsible for policy around Brexit, the EU and wider international education and research

Joe Bond

Senior Press and Digital Communications Officer

joe.bond@russellgroup.ac.uk

Joe is responsible for the Russell Group website, manages the Informed Choices website and supports our social media presence

Martin Furner

Data Manager

 

Martin is responsible for collating and analysing data from a wide range of sources to support the policy team

Paul Purcell

Director of Operations

 

Paul oversees all operational activities including governance, financial management, HR, legal and general office systems

Sam Eversden

Head of Communications

Sam oversees all our communications activity including press, external relations, and digital

Sarah Stevens

Director of Policy (Higher Education)

 

 

On maternity leave

Stephanie Smith

Head of Policy (Research and International)

Stephanie.Smith@RussellGroup.ac.uk

Stephanie oversees policy work relating to research and innovation, the EU and Brexit, international research and education, and immigration

Vanessa O'Donnell

Policy Analyst

Vanessa is responsible for policy areas including regulation and teaching, skills and apprenticeships, and student satisfaction