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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Lily Bull

Policy Manager

Lily leads on our funding resilience work.

Joanna Burton

Head of Policy (Higher Education)

Joanna overseas policy work relating to access, teaching, and regulation

Dr Hollie Chandler

Director of Policy

Hollie oversees our policy work including research and innovation, international, and higher education.

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

Jessica Cole

Director of Strategy

Jess leads on the delivery of the Russell Group’s organisational strategy and coordinating cross-cutting projects across the Policy, Communications and Operations teams. 

Douglas Dowell

Policy Manager

Douglas works across policy areas relating to research and international issues

Martin Furner

Data Manager

 

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

Maddy Godin

Policy Researcher

Maddy is responsible for policy areas covering university admissions, access and participation, and student experience.

Debbie Halpenny

Executive PA to CEO

 

Debbie supports the CEO  

 

Zaid Kadhum

Policy Researcher

 

Zaid is responsible for our policy research around visas and research security. 

Charlotte Kelly

Policy Manager

Charlotte is responsible for policy areas covering innovation and research.

Ben Moore

Head of Policy (International)

Ben overseas policy work relating to international issues, including research partnerships, Horizon, visas and security.

 

Elena Moya

Business Manager

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

Hamir Patel

Head of Communications

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

Laura Peatman

Media Relations Manager

Laura leads on all media management issues including press enquiries.

Paul Purcell

Director of Operations

 

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

Emily Ray

Principal Brand Manager

Currently on maternity leave

Jamie Roberts

Policy Manager

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

Stephanie Smith

Deputy Director of Policy and Head of Policy (Research and International)

Stephanie directly supports the Director of Policy and oversees work relating to R&D and innovation issues.

Sarah Stevens

Director of Strategy

 

 

Sarah leads on the delivery of the Russell Group’s organisational strategy and coordinating cross-cutting projects across the Policy, Communications and Operations teams.