Higher Education
For over 20 years we have been recognised leaders in the global higher education sector and have appointed hundreds of heads of institutions. Over the last fifteen years, our work has extended across the broader educational sector.
Overview
In an increasingly inter-connected world, academia no longer operates in its own ivory tower, and as a multidisciplinary firm we bring a creative and holistic approach to identifying leaders – whether for universities, research institutes, business schools, think tanks, governments, private providers, or at the nexus of these sectors. Traditional dividing lines become blurred as organisations seek to integrate, to innovate and to work in partnership on an increasingly global platform. Strong leadership in this context is critical, as is the ability to contextualise higher education within the broader fabric of industry, policy and research. We bring a thoughtful, intelligent and creative approach to finding talent for our clients in this sector.
At an international level, we work closely with our global partners in Panorama, sharing experience and knowledge to support our clients’ needs, enabling us all to address overseas markets in a way that meets the demands of each individual search.
OUR GLOBAL REACH
Through our global partnership, our international search capacity enables us to replicate Saxton Bampfylde’s research model around the world’s time zones and to seek out and engage pro-actively with leaders in relevant markets.
This means that the unique features of an organisation can be interpreted in a number of relevant international contexts, and markets approached accordingly – all within the single relationship with our consulting team.

Our clients



















Consulting Team
Hebe Miller

Consulting Team
Hebe has been working in executive search since 2016 after graduating from St Andrews University with a Classics and Classical Languages Degree. Hebe spent the last year in Australia working for our Panorama partner, Cordier King, who specialise exclusively in Higher Education and Government sectors. Hebe now works exclusively within the Higher Education practice at Saxton Bampfylde as Associate Consultant to the Head of the Practice, Hamish Laing.
Brett Anderson

Consulting Team
Brett Anderson has been with Saxton Bampfylde since 2013 and is a Consultant in both the Healthcare and Higher Education Practices. Prior to joining Saxton Bampfylde, she worked as a Research Assistant with the University of Aberdeen. Brett graduated with an MA International Relations and an MSc Ecological Economics from the University of Edinburgh.
Jamie Wesley

Consulting Team
Jamie leads our higher education practice having joined the firm in 2012. He has advised and supported university and research-focussed clients on appointments at executive and non-executive level, primarily Chair, CEO, Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean positions. Jamie also works with organisations at the intersection of industry, academia and government such as research funders, R&D businesses, independent research institutes, learned societies, membership bodies and commercial subsidiaries. Jamie graduated with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the universities of Durham and Oxford respectively.
Stephen Bampfylde

Consulting Team
Stephen is co-founder and Chairman of Saxton Bampfylde. He began his career working for IBM and Whitehall, where he spent nearly 10 years before moving into top level executive search. For 27 years he has been involved in the recruitment of executives to senior positions across all sectors. He helped establish the worldwide professional association AESC in Europe and was its international director for a number of years. Outside executive search, he has been involved with the advisory boards of the Business Schools at Cambridge and City Universities, is a Trustee of the Yvonne Arnaud theatre, and is former Chairman of the Guildford Cathedral Council. Stephen read Economics at Jesus College, Cambridge and studied corporate finance at London Business School..
David Munns

Consulting Team
David has led the firm’s Finance Practice since 2012. He has led over fifty CFO, Audit Committee Chair and direct reports to the CFO searches in the commercial, public and charity sectors. Our Finance Practice is a market leader in University CFO/FD and school/college bursar searches. David also specialises in Chair and CEO searches in the education sector for commercial and not for profit sectors. Before joining Saxton Bampfylde David was CFO of three organisations: the Financial Times Publishing Group, Rocco Forte Hotels and Kaplan Europe. He was also a non executive director of Colliers CRE plc. He read Law at UCL, has an MBA from the University of Chicago and is a chartered accountant.
Featured

News
Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards – Saxton Bampfylde wins the ‘Making a Difference Award’
Saxton Bampfylde has been announced as the winner in the “Making a Difference” category at the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards (RIDI)! Each year the RIDI awards bring together leading change makers in the recruitment sector to celebrate the very best of disability confident recruitment. This Award highlights those who have excelled in levelling the […]
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Insight
Board Evolution in a Time of Crisis
At the beginning of lockdown Stephen Bampfylde held a series of webinars with Patrick Dunne to discuss the challenges facing boards and the impact of the crisis on governance. These were an opportunity for Patrick to share some of the key themes coming out of his recently published book ‘Boards: A Practical Perspective’ and allowed […]
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Saxton Bampfylde wins AESC’s inaugural ‘IDEA’ Award for outstanding contribution to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in leadership
This week at their annual AESC Global Conference, the global Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) presented its inaugural “IDEA Award” for outstanding contribution to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (or “IDEA”). The AESC IDEA Award was established this year to support the goals of the AESC Diversity Pledge, signed by more than 100 CEOs of leading executive […]
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STEP – A new holistic coaching and development programme for diverse leaders
Saxton Bampfylde have been privileged to work with so many organisations who actively seek to diversify their leadership teams and provide development opportunities for their upcoming talent. As leadership advisors, we have a pivotal role to play in the development of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic leaders, and particularly those at a point of transition to […]
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The University of the Highlands and Islands appoints new New Principal and Vice-Chancellor
The University of the Highlands and Islands has appointed Professor Todd Walker as its next principal and vice-chancellor. Professor Walker is currently provost and deputy vice-chancellor at University of New England, which operates several campuses in the state of New South Wales, Australia. He leads the academic, quality, and indigenous portfolios at University of New England and […]
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Professor Richard Trembath appointed Senior Vice President and Provost (Health) of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre
Professor Richard Trembath has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Provost (Health) and Executive Director of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre from the 1 September 2020. A clinician scientist of international renown through his work in medical and population genetics, he is a former NIHR Senior Investigator and Fellow of the Academy […]
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Professor Iain Gillespie appointed Principal & Vice-Chancellor
Professor Iain Gillespie has been appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, and will take up the post from January 1, 2021. Professor Gillespie is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, at the University of Leicester, a post he has held since January 2016. Ronnie Bowie, Chair of Court, the University of Dundee’s governing […]
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Swansea University appoints new Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Helen Griffiths
Swansea University has welcomed a new Pro-Vice Chancellor to its senior management team, with responsibility for the University’s Research and Innovation portfolio. Professor Helen Griffiths joins the University from her prior post at the University of Surrey, where she had been the Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences since 2016. She […]
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De Montfort University appoints new Vice-Chancellor
Following an extensive recruitment process, Professor Katie Normington has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University (DMU). Currently Deputy Principal (Academic) at Royal Holloway, University of London, overseeing strategy and policy for teaching and research at the London institution, Professor Normington is expected to join DMU in the new year. Commenting on […]
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5 Key Behaviours of Successful Leaders in Digital Prosperity
Strong leadership is vital, both in this time of huge upheaval and as we continue to use digital technologies to move forward and forge a way in the new normal. Leaders in a digital environment have undergone fundamental changes too, however. Gone is the world of command and control: in its place is a leadership […]
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The University for the Creative Arts appoints Jeremy Sandelson as Chair
Jeremy Sandelson, a senior business leader and long-standing supporter of the creative arts, has been appointed Chair and Pro-Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). A partner at leading international law firm, Clifford Chance, Jeremy has many years’ experience of managing business risk, crisis and reputation management, corporate governance and business culture. As […]
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Professor Paul Monks to join Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as new Chief Scientific Advisor
The University of Leicester’s Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science Paul Monks is to join the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as its new Chief Scientific Advisor. The Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Engineering succeeds Professor John Loughhead, who is currently the Department’s Chief Scientific Advisor. […]
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Insight
Humanity at the Heart of Digital Prosperity
Over our near 35-year history, Saxton Bampfylde has supported some of the most successful organisations in the UK and further afield, to identify and appoint senior leaders capable of building confidence and utilising their experience in times of change. During this time, one of the most fundamental changes to stem across all areas of life […]
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News
Engineering a new approach to Higher Education – Mary Curnock Cook OBE – Chair of The Dyson Institute
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Developing hallmark pedagogy – Professor Geoff Smith, Vice Chancellor and CEO of Regent’s University
Professor Geoff Smith looks back over his first year at Regent’s University London, a not-for-profit private higher education institution located in the heart of the capital. He reflects on the university’s unique culture, the skills needed to balance the history of the campus with the institution’s challenger status and the implications of COVID-19. Having started […]
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Insight
Shifting Sands: The role of the board in a crisis
Stephen Bampfylde shares his insights and observations specifically focused on the role of the Board and its evolution in the time of crisis.
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News
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser named as the new CEO of UK Research and Innovation
Business Secretary Alok Sharma has appointed Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS as the new CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Professor Leyser is a leading British plant biologist and Director of the Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. Starting the position on Monday 29 June, as UKRI CEO, Professor Leyser will guide […]
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News
Royal Statistical Society appoints Stian Westlake as Chief Executive
Royal Statistical Society has announced the appointment of Stian Westlake as its new Chief Executive. Stian takes up the role in July 2020. As an executive director at Nesta from 2009 to 2017, Stian ran the organisation’s think tank. Under his leadership, the team launched a range of initiatives on data and evidence, including the […]
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News
Dr Jennifer Barnes discusses gender diversity in higher education leadership
Diversity in Higher Education leadership remains a key talking point for us as at Saxton Bampfylde, as we look to find the very best leaders, capable of bringing us forward from this challenging time. Dr Jennifer Barnes, Partner and Consultant in our Higher Education Practice, shares her views on the key barriers to entry facing […]
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News
Reach Disability Mentoring Programme – Round table event
We enjoyed a great first round-table event in the REACH disability mentoring programme. A lively discussion with an inspiring group from a range of organisations, discussing the importance of being open about disability. Our core agenda was about empowering disabled talent, specifically addressing stigma, celebrating what works, looking at blockers and generating ideas. We were […]
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News
Lancaster University appoints renowned theoretical physicist as its new Vice-Chancellor
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Leading with James Ashton Podcast launches second series supported by Saxton Bampfylde
We are delighted to announce our support for the second series of ‘Leading with James Ashton’, a leadership podcast that speaks to people at the top of their game in business, charity, the arts and beyond. Each episode features two leaders from very different organisations discussing their take on leading vital causes, famous brand names […]
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The Unite Group Plc announces Board Changes
The Unite Group plc has announced a number of changes as part of its Board succession planning: Dame Shirley Pearce DBE will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1 November 2019; Professor Sir Steve Smith will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1 April 2020; and Sir Tim Wilson, Non-Executive Director […]
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Professor Karen Stanton appointed Vice-Chancellor at Solent University
Solent University has announced the appointment of Professor Karen Stanton as its new Vice-Chancellor. Professor Stanton joins Solent from her role as Vice-Chancellor at York St John University, where she has delivered clear strategic leadership, driving improvements in the student experience and student outcomes, and providing strong external representation and institutional sustainability. Phil Cotton, Pro-Chancellor […]
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World Mental Health Day 2019
World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but each year, 10 October is set aside as a day for everyone to show their support for better mental health and to encourage […]
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Insight
Double (no) Trouble: Taking the stress out of multiple appointments
Adding a new face to a senior leadership team can have a huge impact on the diversity of thought, range of skills and approaches to work, the team dynamics and the culture. These elements can, of course, have a significant knock-on impact for the rest of the organisation. It is essential that you are armed […]
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Saxton Bampfylde partners with Civil Service to launch new disability mentoring programme REACH
Saxton Bampfylde has teamed with the Civil Service to launch a new mentoring programme designed to help support Civil Service employees with disabilities to maximise their career potential. Mentors participating in the programme are executive level leaders from outside the Civil Service who have either a lived experience of disability or have been involved in […]
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Royal Veterinary College Council announces new Chairman
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Professor Judith Buchanan elected next Master of St Peter’s
The Governing Body of St Peter’s College, Oxford has announced that Professor Judith Buchanan has been elected as the College’s next Master. Professor Buchanan, who is currently Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of York, will take over on 1 October from Mark Damazer CBE, who is due to step down on […]
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El-Erian to become president of Queens’ College Cambridge
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News
Regent’s appoints new Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive
Regent’s University London has appointed Professor Geoff Smith BA (Hons) MBA (Lond) MPhil (Oxon), PhD as the successor to Professor Aldwyn Cooper as Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Regent’s University London from Monday 12 August. Currently Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Falmouth University, Professor Smith has also previously held leadership or teaching positions at the universities of […]
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Victor Chu announced as UCL’s new Chair of Council
UCL has announced the appointment of Victor Chu, distinguished international business leader and alumnus of the university, as its next Chair of Council, succeeding Dame DeAnne Julius on 1 August 2019. Laws graduate Victor Chu has been an involved and enthusiastic member of UCL’s global alumni community since he graduated in 1979, acting as a […]
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Professor Paul Boyle announced as new Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University
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Is it not all Academic? Finding leaders of the UK university of the future
Saxton Bampfylde launches its latest insight on finding leaders of the UK university of the future.
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University of Roehampton appoints new Vice-Chancellor
Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard has been appointed by the University of Roehampton as its new Vice-Chancellor. He will join the University on 1 May 2019. Professor Ezingeard is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), where he plays a leading role in ensuring the successful strategic functioning of the University and in internal and external […]
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University of Aberdeen appoints new Senior Vice-Principal
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New Chief Financial Officer joins UAL
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University of Edinburgh appoints new Director of Finance
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University of Bath appoints new Vice-Chancellor
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Insight
Sparking the Creative Flame: Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul
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Professor Madeleine Atkins CBE appointed as 9th President of Lucy Cavendish College
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Goodenough College announces new Director
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Royal Holloway Appoints New Senior Vice-Principal
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Neil Mendoza to be Elected as Oriel’s Next Provost
Oriel College Oxford has announced that Neil Mendoza is to be elected as the College’s next Provost, to take over when Moira Wallace OBE reaches the end of her term in August of this year. Neil has a breadth of experience spanning the commercial, charitable and public sectors. Neil read Geography at Oriel and matriculated in 1978. […]
Continue ReadingCandidate Opportunities
University College London
Dean, Faculty of Population Health Sciences
Closing date:
Monday 8 Feb 2021