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.  

John Weeks was first appointed at Brighton College 25 years ago. In that time he has been the Head of two Brighton Schools and has also been the Executive Head of the Brighton College Prep Schools in the UK. John oversees the smooth operation of existing schools and expansion of the group.

Jo-Anne has spent over two decades leading the development of Brighton College’s world-class educational offering. Formerly serving as Deputy Head (Academic) and Second Master at Brighton College UK, she now leads academic standards, curriculum development and educational innovation across the family of schools, supporting each school’s strategic vision and enabling every Brighton College pupil worldwide to achieve their very best while feeling both supported and inspired.

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.  

Martin George served for 10 years in the British Army before making the transition to teaching. He has led schools in UK, Malaysia, China, Doha and Vietnam. Most recently he was interim Head of College at Brighton College Vietnam. With this extensive school leadership experience, and as Director of Education, he provides support and advice to our established international Heads and schools to ensure that the Brighton College DNA and values continue to drive the highest educational standards across the globe.

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.

Joanne Wergan has over 13 years’ experience at Brighton College in Early Years, Primary and Junior education. As a senior leader she has developed and delivered the Brighton College DNA across the group. She is responsible for senior leadership recruitment, educational quality visits and inspection preparation within our schools.

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.

Therese has over twenty years of experience in schools and been part of school leadership teams in London, Boston and Shanghai. Most recently, Therese led a start up school in London whilst also completing her doctorate in education. As Head of Senior Curriculum and Education, Therese works closely with the Brighton College International schools on school improvement and securing strong outcomes.

Pennie Parry has over 24 years’ experience as an educator and senior leader, including six years working within the Brighton College family. As Head of EYFS and Junior Education across Brighton College International, she provides strategic leadership across the group, supporting schools to deliver exceptional Early Years and Junior education. She has a proven track record of school improvement and is responsible for senior leadership recruitment, school support, educational quality assurance visits and inspection readiness across the schools.

Sarah Martin has built an international career in marketing and communications, working across industries including luxury goods and destination marketing. Having lived and worked in five countries, she brings a global perspective alongside valuable local market expertise. Sarah develops strategic and engaging marketing that strengthens the profile and reputation of Brighton College International’s family of schools.

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.  

Patrick Galloway is a Collaborative Design Consultant for Brighton College International, graduating with first-class honours in Interior Design in 2024. He works within the Architecture and Design team, ensuring the high standard of interior spaces throughout the Brighton College family of schools.

Nadia Bilek joined the BCI team after graduating with first-class honours in English Language. She is responsible for supporting commercial research, assisting in business development, and contributing to management briefings and presentations across the company.

Emily Maskell graduated with an MA in Art History and Museum Curating and has worked in both the education and museum sectors. She supports the education team in upholding academic excellence and maintaining stakeholder relationships.