Richard Cairns is our Group CEO. An Oxford University graduate, he has extensive experience of leading UK schools, transforming Brighton College into one of the world’s top private schools. Under his leadership, Brighton has been named Sunday Times UK School of the Year twice and in 2022 was named Sunday Times UK School of the Decade. Richard is also the only UK school leader to have been named Tatler UK Head of the Year multiple times. His ambition is to replicate that success across the globe for the benefit of many more children.

Graeme Owton is the CEO of Brighton College International. Having been the Headmaster of two schools prior to joining Brighton College in 2016, he has overseen the growth of Brighton College International with the successful opening and operation of Brighton Colleges in Dubai, Singapore, Hanoi, and London in the past few years. With a keen eye on outstanding educational and commercial outcomes, Graeme is responsible for ensuring our international schools are authentic versions of Brighton College in the UK and for the ongoing expansion of our international schools’ arm.

The Rt Hon Lord Soames of Fletching is President of Brighton College and has had a long and distinguished career in public service. Educated at Eton College and Mons Officer Cadet School, he served as an officer in the 11th Hussars [PAO] before becoming Equerry to the then Prince of Wales. Following his military career, he entered Parliament in 1983, representing the Conservative Party until 2019. Over his time in Parliament he held key roles, including Minister for Defence and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. The son of the late Lord Soames and grandson of Sir Winston Churchill KG, he is President of the Conservative Middle East Council and provides senior advisory roles to various companies.

The Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, PC is Chair of the Governors at Brighton College and Chairman of Brighton College International. In his ministerial career, Francis served as Minister for Europe and Hong Kong/China, Minister for Corporate Affairs, and Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Shadow Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Conservative Party.  He was Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and a director of Asda. Francis currently advises governments on efficiency, is Chairman of Cogent Elliott Group and has a portfolio of advisory board appointments.

Having been at Brighton College for over 19 years, Leah Hamblett has been pivotal in the extraordinary success of Brighton College and its schools across the world. As Group Deputy CEO, Leah supports the CEO in the strategic vision of the Brighton College Group. Leah is heavily involved in recruitment, admissions, marketing, interior design, architecture as well as the educational offering and success of each school.  

Nicola Collins, a Cambridge University graduate,  is responsible for ensuring high standards of education at every international school, as well as the induction programme for new staff in those schools. Nicola has a wealth of boarding and teaching experience including previously being Head of Sixth Form at Brighton College.  

Rishi Soni is a qualified chartered accountant. Rishi has previously worked at KPMG and in corporate finance, on a wide range of transactions and financial restructurings. Rishi sits on the Finance Committee in all the Brighton College schools. 

Scott Sheridan has spent the last 15 years fundraising and developing strategic partnerships with global corporations and UHNWs in the education sector. As Director of Development, he supports the BCI team in developing long-term relationships with investment partners who share Brighton's vision for education. 

Andreas Ullrich is a qualified architect. Andreas has significant experience leading teams of architects and engineers, including heading up projects on behalf of the Federal Foreign Office in Germany where he led teams working across Asia and The Americas.  

Kerry Williams has led marketing teams in both the education and corporate sectors, including global blue-chip organisations Vodafone, Orange and 3. Kerry has extensive experience in successfully launching brands in new territories and provides in-depth support with all aspects of marketing to all of our Brighton College schools.

Oliver Harris, a Cambridge University graduate, has significant experience supporting global partners open international schools under the Brighton College name. Through his time as a pupil and assistant teacher at the College, Oliver has a thorough understanding of the Brighton College DNA.  Oliver is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

James Rhatigan is a specialist in secondary curriculum. James is responsible for educational quality visits, operational effectiveness, senior management recruitment and the integration of digital literacy into our educational practices.

Joanne Wergan has been part of the  Brighton College family of schools for over 13 years. She is responsible for Early Years and Junior education, as well as senior management recruitment and educational quality visits.

Rachel Robinson-Reid has extensive experience in marketing and brand reputation management working both in international and UK markets. Rachel has worked in the educational and commercial sectors, including for the multinational conglomerate Sony Music.

John Hatton is a qualified architect with over 20 years of experience. John has worked both domestically and abroad to deliver award-winning projects for clients in educational, cultural, and commercial developments. Previously John was an Associate at Conran and Partners.

Jane Waterman has extensive experience of working at both start-up and established international schools.  Jane's global expertise has seen her working over the last 20 years at educational providers in  Switzerland, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.