Our people
The Russell Group provides strategic advice, policy development and communications for 24 leading universities. It is led by Chief Executive Dr Tim Bradshaw
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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.
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Dr Alexis Brown
Policy Manager
Alexis is responsible for policy areas including those covering university fees and funding.
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Ben Moore
Policy Analyst
Ben is responsible for policy relating to immigration and visas
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Cat Turhan
Policy Analyst
Cat is responsible for policy areas covering university access, inclusion, admissions and qualifications.
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Debbie Halpenny
Executive PA to CEO
Debbie supports the CEO
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Elena Moya
Business Manager
Elena is responsible for managing day-to-day operational activities with particular responsibility for finances, IT and estates activities.
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Emily Ray
Senior Events Manager
On maternity leave
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Hamir Patel
Media Relations Manager
Hamir is responsible for press engagement, communicating our policies to news and sector publications.
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Dr Hollie Chandler
Policy Manager
On maternity leave
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James Hallwood
External Relations Manager
James is responsible for political and parliamentary and wider stakeholder engagement.
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Jessica Cole
Director of Policy
On maternity leave
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Joanna Burton
Policy Manager
Joanna is responsible for policy around Brexit, the EU and wider international education and research.
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Joe Bond
Senior Press and Digital Communications Officer
Joe is responsible for the Russell Group website, manages the Informed Choices website and supports our social media presence
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Martin Furner
Data Manager
Martin is responsible for collating and analysing data from a wide range of sources to support the policy team.
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Paul Purcell
Director of Operations
Paul oversees all operational activities including governance, financial management, HR, legal and general office systems.
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Sarah Stevens
Director of Policy (Higher Education)
Sarah oversees policy work relating to education including university funding, access and inclusion and regulation.
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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.
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Vanessa O'Donnell
Policy Analyst
Vanessa is responsible for policy areas including regulation and teaching, skills and apprenticeships, and student satisfaction.