GuildHE, the representative body championing diversity and innovation in higher education, is pleased to announce two new elected members of its Board, reinforcing its leadership across the creative and specialised higher education sector.

The appointments come at a pivotal time for the sector as institutions navigate financial pressures, policy reform and evolving student expectations.

Lisa Mann FRSA, Vice Chancellor and CEO of Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), will begin her term as co-Vice-Chair of the GuildHE Board from 9 July 2026, succeeding Professor Simone Wonnacott, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Arts University. Olivier Robert-Murphy, CEO and Vice Chancellor of BIMM University, will begin his term as an elected member from 24 September 2026, succeeding Professor Anthony McClaran, Vice Chancellor of St Mary's University Twickenham.

Lisa brings extensive leadership experience spanning higher education, consultancy and entrepreneurship, having worked across both the public and private sectors as well as running her own businesses.

Speaking on her appointment, Lisa Mann FRSA said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the Board of GuildHE and to take on the role of co-Vice Chair; I look forward to supporting its work at a particularly important time for the sector. I am especially keen to contribute perspectives as a specialist creative higher education provider, helping to ensure that innovation, inclusion, creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and regional impact remain central to the future of higher education policy and practice.”

Olivier is a media, music, and education executive known for building and managing collaborative, inventive, and future-facing organisations. He previously served as the CEO of Spitfire Audio and as a senior leader at Universal Music Group.

Olivier said:

“I am delighted to be joining the GuildHE Board at such a pivotal moment for higher education. My background in the music, creative and entertainment industries has shaped a distinctive approach to leadership. I look forward to contributing to GuildHE's vital work. I also want to use this role to advocate for the UK higher education sector to serve the UK’s world-leading creative and entertainment sectors as effectively as possible and deliver meaningful outcomes for students looking to enter these industries.”

Professor Ken Sloan, Chair of GuildHE and Vice Chancellor of Harper Adams University, added:

“Lisa and Olivier will bring a tremendous breadth of leadership expertise across creative and specialist higher education, alongside significant industry experience, that will strengthen our work during a challenging period for the sector.”

GuildHE CEO, Dr Brooke Storer-Church, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Lisa and Olivier to our Board and look forward to working together over the next three years to secure a thriving, distinctive higher education sector. We deeply value their leadership and expertise in innovative entrepreneurship because creativity is essential in our work at this crucial juncture for the sector. 

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to Professor Wonnacott and Professor McClaran for their dedicated service and contribution to GuildHE, and look forward to this next chapter in GuildHE’s long and successful story.”

 

Notes to Editors

  1. To arrange an interview or receive hi-resolution headshots, please contact Jess Jackson, GuildHE Communications and Events Officer, by email [email protected] or telephone 07577 286 387.
  2. GuildHE is one of three formal representative bodies in higher education, representing around 70 diverse institutions. Our members are small and large, rural and urban, practice-based and online, publicly and privately funded. Members are renowned for their practical, industry-relevant education, research and innovation - which meet critical skills needs for the 21st century, while making a significant contribution to regional growth, industry development and the national economy. The diversity of our membership enables us a unique and valuable perspective into the challenges and opportunities within, and for, the sector at any given time.
  3. Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), established in 1880, is a creative specialist arts institution offering courses in art, design media and performance on the south coast of England in Bournemouth, Dorset. AUB’s students and graduates are recognised and sought after by creative industries with a quarter of the Best New Creatives list 2024 comprised entirely of AUB students. The University is also at the forefront of creative research with more than 12% of AUB’s research now being classed as ‘world-leading’ with a further 42% being classed ‘internationally excellent’, according to REF 2021. View full notes for editors.
  4. Olivier Robert-Murphy is the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor of BIMM University, one of the world’s foremost institutions in music, film and the creative arts. Olivier leads BIMM’s work to empower the next generation of creative talent. With over 25 years at the intersection of music, entertainment and business, Olivier brings depth to creative education leadership. His career includes roles such as VP of Marketing at Universal Pictures, a decade at Universal Music Group, and CEO of Spitfire Audio, where he delivered a full commercial turnaround and successful exit. A thought leader in the creative industries, he lectures at London Business School and Oxford University and has spoken across three continents. Olivier holds an MBA from London Business School. He has also been the jury President of the Entertainment Lions for Music during the Cannes Lions Awards. Outside the brands world, Olivier, a black belt, is proud to lead the interests of his local Taekwondo club in the London community and beyond.