Leadership Team
We are responsible for building careers and creating growth and development in leading organisations across the globe.
Executive Team
Graham Gaddes - Chief Executive Officer
Graham is the CEO of BPP Education Group and is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the business. He has worked in private education for 29 years, with a wealth of experience across all areas of the education sector.
Richard Simmons - Executive Chairman
Richard is a Director of BPP University, of which he was Chairman from 2010 to 2017. A former Senior Partner of Arthur Andersen, Richard served as adviser to a number of Government and Shadow Ministers between 1979 and 2012.
Professor Tim Stewart - Vice-Chancellor, BPP University
Tim is a graduate of Oxford University and Bristol Business School, a Professor of Business Education, a trustee of the CMI and a qualified management accountant. With 28 years’ experience in tertiary education, Tim leads on Higher Education, Regulation and AI for BPP.
Laura Varrier - Chief Legal Officer
Laura joined BPP in 2017 and was appointed as Chief Legal Officer in 2023. Laura is responsible for overseeing BPP’s internal legal function and strategy as well as holding the positions of Ethics and Compliance Officer and Data Protection Officer.
Jo Preston-Taylor - Chief Financial Officer
Jo started her career as a Chartered Accountant at Ernst & Young, before joining BPP in 2007. Jo’s role as Chief Financial Officer focuses on forecasting and reviewing internal metrics to ensure BPP is performing and optimised for growth.
Andy Payne - Chief Operating Officer
Andy is a qualified accountant and joined BPP in 2006 where he has held numerous management roles including Chief Finance Officer and Chief Experience Officer. Andy is responsible for all non-university business units and operational departments.
Stuart Kay - Chief Marketing Officer
Stuart brings over 20 years’ experience in digital marketing roles for some of the world’s leading agencies and businesses. Leading digital-first marketing teams, he thrives in maximising the ever-evolving opportunities of technology to connect with audiences in innovative and engaging ways.
Jo Wickremasinghe - Chief Product and Technology Officer
With over 20 years’ experience in digital product management and development, Jo has led digital product teams at Microsoft, BBC, News UK, Babylon Health, and Zoopla. She joined BPP to improve the digital customer experiences across the entire learning life cycle.
Sarah McIlroy - Dean of Business School & Chief of International Student Strategy
Sarah has developed the Business School as a destination for international students by providing innovative programmes with a global employability focus. She ensures that the international student experience gives them the best possible start in their professional careers.
Garry Buick - Chief People Officer
Garry joined BPP in 2008 and is responsible for BPP’s HR function. Garry aims to bring people processes to the core of the BPP business, ready to facilitate growth and foster a strong Employee Value Proposition for the Group.
David Dowdall - Chief Admin Officer
David has overseen many strategic projects since joining BPP in 2012, including the transition of IT services from the US, operational scale-up for BPP University Business School and a key role in the adoption and integration of all BPP acquisitions.
James Hammill - Chief Revenue Officer
As Chief Revenue Officer, James is responsible for devising and delivering the B2B strategy across BPP Group, helping employers to develop the capabilities they require to deliver their objectives. James also manages strategic relationships with some of BPP’s largest clients.
Mark Griffiths - Chief Property Officer
Mark joined BPP in 2012 and has over 20 years’ experience in professional education. He previously led several operational business areas and is now responsible for all of the Group’s property portfolio and its associated Facilities and Planning teams.Business Unit Leaders
Professor Tim Jones - Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Tim joined BPP University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor from the University of Worcester where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor. He has worked in higher education for over 20 years and is a strong advocate for enhancing student engagement and the learner experience. Tim is a Chartered Psychologist and has influenced national and international education policy in the teaching of psychology.
Gary Dart - Group Finance Director
As Group Finance Director, Gary oversees core day-to-day finance functions, including financial reporting, treasury, tax, and processing. He has worked in private education for six years, is ICAEW qualified, KPMG trained and has experience working in FTSE finance environments.
Jeremy Bodey - Director of Strategy, Innovation and Technology
Since joining BPP in 2012, Jeremy has held a number of key positions within BPP that encompass project management, change, digital and strategic disciplines. His influence has shaped how BPP uses technology to stay ahead in the global marketplace.
Paul Rowlett - Managing Director of BPP Digital
Paul has a wealth of experience across innovation and tech. He has previously held Director roles where he has been responsible for strategic growth, business development, training, R&D, and creating a pipeline of future talent for the advanced manufacturing sector.
Jo-Anne Pugh - Dean of BPP University Law School
Jo-Anne joined BPP in 2004 and has experience in legal education across programme design, operational management and leadership. She recently led the redesign of the Law School’s programme portfolio to meet the new regulatory frameworks of the SRA and BSB.
Professor Rachel Picton - Dean of School of Nursing
Rachel joined BPP in September 2024 and brings experience from across the health, regulatory and education sectors. Rachel has developed new programmes for the Allied Health professions both in the UK and overseas and will lead the school into new opportunities across health and social care.
Kevin Coupland - Director of School of People and Skills Development
Kevin joined BPP in 2012 and is responsible for the financial and operational management of the School of People and Skills Development, alongside partnering with clients to build programmes that truly add business value.