KINGS COLLEGES - Key Persons
"I started working for Kings Young Learners in 2019, and before that I was Director of Studies at Kings in Bournemouth for many years - and before that I taught abroad in several different countries. As Academic Manager, I'm responsible for planning the lesson content of the Young Learner courses, and I work closely with the teaching teams at each centre to make sure everyone has the resources they need.
What I love about English Language Teaching is meeting students from all over, the world, and seeing them become more confident in using their English to communicate. I also enjoy creating new materials to make interesting lessons, and helping teachers develop their classroom skills.
Outside work I like going for walks along the beautiful Dorset coast, and trying to keep up my own language learning!"
Job Titles:
- Director, Group Marketing and Information
Andrew's core role within the Company is overseeing global marketing, communications and information management.
He has a 30+ year career in marketing and communications, of which 25 have been spent within the international education sector.
Prior to co-founding the Company, Andrew spent 10 years as Marketing Communications Director at Study Group, before which he held various marketing positions including with the Gillette Group.
Andrew holds undergraduate and masters degrees from Oxford University.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Co - Founder
Andrew Hutchinson is CEO and co-founder of Kings. He is happy to be known as an international education "lifer", a sector in which he has grown and thrived for the past 35 years.
Andrew brings to his role experience gained across a wide range of commercial development and operational management roles. Having started his career in teaching and school management in France, Andrew moved to Study Group where he became Group Sales Director, leading revenue growth across the portfolio of international high school, university pathway and English language businesses in UK, USA and Australia over a twelve year period.
As Kings' CEO, Andrew leads the executive team, overseeing the performance and development of the group, in which many thousands of students annually from over 60 source countries enjoy exceptional experiences and achieve their higher education ambitions through Kings.
A graduate in International Relations & French from Nottingham Trent University, Andrew also holds postgraduate teaching qualifications.
He is married with two grown up sons and when not travelling with Kings, he enjoys sea swimming, watching rugby and cricket and sharing quality time with family & friends.
"My first experience with Kings was in the summer of 2016, when I joined as a night supervisor/activity leader. Since then I worked several summer roles in our Southbank centre, before joining the central team in 2024 as a Programme Manager.
Chris's enthusiasm for international education traces back to his university days, when he studied Marketing Management combined with French Language and Contemporary Studies. His studies included a year abroad at l'Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, where he pursued Economics and Management. This experience as an international student profoundly influenced his commitment to building opportunities for others in global education.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Group Finance Director
- Member of Her Local Surf Life Saving Club
Claire is a qualified chartered accountant who has spent her whole career in people industries.
As Kings Finance Director since 2015 she leads all financial management across the group, overseeing the finance teams in the UK and US.
Prior to joining Kings, Claire was Finance Director of Group Sales at Study Group, a role in which she supported the overseas student recruitment teams in both finance operations and compliance. She also has significant global audit and financial management experience within the tour operation and hotel sectors.
Claire graduated from Loughborough University with a Bsc in Physical Education, Sports Science and Recreation Management. She remains active in swimming, running and recently stand up paddleboarding.
Claire is an active member of her local Surf Life Saving Club and enjoys the outdoor life with her husband, son, and daughter.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Director of Operations, UK
Ed Seddon is an experienced leader in international education with a broad knowledge of the sector.
As Director of Operations in the UK, he closely supports the Principals and leadership teams across the four UK colleges. His focus is on running efficient and high performing schools whilst ensuring an exceptional experience for every Kings student and the optimisation of their academic and personal development.
Ed began his career teaching English as a Foreign Language in Asia and the UK. He also spent time in Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East, recruiting students for a variety of English and academic providers. He subsequently managed a successful international department at a leading Further Education college prior to joining Kings.
Ed holds a degree in English Literature and a post graduate qualification in teaching.
An educator at heart, he has also taught music to children and adults, specialising in guitar. He enjoys playing football, travel and spending time with his wife and children.
Job Titles:
- Head of Sales Operations & Admissions
"My role includes supporting all of our clients and I also oversee all aspects of Admissions for Kings Young Learners working alongside the Admissions Coordinator.
Originally from Northern Ireland, I moved to England in 2004 and started working within the language school sector. I have been working with Kings since 2009, initially working within our Bournemouth school before moving to our central office in Brighton in 2014.
I enjoy meeting international clients from all over the world and learning more about different cultures. Outside of work time, I enjoy getting outdoors as much as possible and love cooking & baking.
I am happy to help you with any information and support you require throughout your stay with Kings Young Learners"
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Studies
Job Titles:
- Foundation Art and Design Course Director
"I've been working with Kings ten years, when I started as a Center Manager in our Malibu center.
"This will be my 6 th year as recruitment manager with Kings. I started life as an activity leader some 20 years ago and progressed from that to work as a centre manager for 6 summers. I then moved into staff recruitment.
I come from Ireland but live in the Scottish Highlands with my partner, baby son and crazy dog. I love working for our small but experienced and hands on team and enjoy my interaction with staff at centre level each season"
Job Titles:
- Vice President of US Operations
Joe has over 16 years of experience within international education - including within admissions, compliance and operations.
As the Vice President of US Operations at Kings, he is responsible for the delivery of all Kings programs in the United States. He oversees school operational performance and US admissions across both pathway and language programs.
Joe started his career at Kaplan International. He rose to become the head of Kaplan's international admissions department, managing a large team responsible for enrolling students into 20 international centres.
Job Titles:
- Admissions & Client Support Manager
Job Titles:
- President, US Partnerships
José's core responsibility within the Company is in securing, developing and nurturing relationships with its US university partners.
José has 30 years' experience within the international education sector. Prior to co-founding the Company, he was Vice President of International Recruitment at Kaplan.
Before this, José held various positions within the international education sector including the management of Fulbright sponsored programs and Ford Foundation programs at Harvard University.
José holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown University and a graduate qualification from Harvard University School of Education.
Job Titles:
- Vice President Recruitment and Marketing, Kings Premium Universities
- VP of Kings Premium Universities
Kaylee is VP of Kings Premium Universities in the US, a role in which she is responsible for global student recruitment and product development for all US pathway programs. Kaylee is also Regional Director for the North Asia territory and has led significant expansion in the region over the past fifteen years.
Prior to joining Kings, Kaylee developed her career as a Senior Manager for North and Southeast Asia at Kaplan Inc. During this period, she grew year-on-year market share by over 100% and was awarded the President's Award in recognition of her impact.
Kaylee has also had experience outside the sector, beginning her career in commercial business development at Samsung. She holds a Masters degree in International Affairs and Management from the University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Kaylee enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures and foods with her husband and two children. She also volunteers at a local non-profit organization.
Job Titles:
- Senior Admissions & Client Support Manager
"I am based in Italy and I take care of all aspects of Admissions for Kings Young Learners.
I graduated from the University of Bari in Italy and I moved to England in 2018; I started working in Hospitality and Optics before moving on to my experience with Kings.
I started my adventure with Kings on short programmes in Christmas 2020 and some half-term courses in 2021 and finally moved on to my current Admissions role in April 2022.
Job Titles:
- Global Director of Sales and Marketing, Kings English / Kings Young Learners
Lucy has worked in international education for over 20 years and joined Kings in 2015. She began her career with the British Council before moving to senior management positions with Study Group and EC.
Lucy has built a strong reputation within the industry for excellent service and knowledge across a wide range of global markets. She has worked in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the UK.
She spent three years as Kings Regional Development Director for Southeast Asia, successfully establishing a new regional office structure and extensive transnational agency network. Lucy is currently Commercial Director for Kings English and works closely with the senior management team to ensure marketing and recruitment targets are met and the student experience is optimised across both the UK and USA. She combines this position with the role of Regional Director for EMEA.
A graduate from The University of Nottingham with a 1st Class degree in Classics, Lucy is bilingual in Spanish and is keen to develop her language skills in Italian, Portuguese, and French. Her personal interests include international travel, geopolitics, cycling, animal welfare and sustainability.
Job Titles:
- Director of Technology Services
Martin's career experience within the international education sector stretches over nearly 30 years.
As Director of Technology Services at Kings, Martin leads the development and transformation of IT services. His work delivers support for students and staff; a secure infrastructure; and the platforms that underpin strategic growth initiatives.
Martin held a similar role during a long career at Study Group, and as a consultant across the sector. He has led a wide range of transformative projects to set up new IT services, develop learning technologies, and drive process efficiency.
Martin started his international education career as a teacher of Maths and Physics, before moving into IT management in 2000. He holds a Bachelors degree in Physics from the University of Sussex, a Bachelors in Literature from the Open University, and a Master's in Literature from Oxford University.
"I started in my role as Director of Kings Young Learners in 2014, and I co-chair Young Learners English UK.
Before becoming Director, I worked many, many summers as an Activity Leader, Teacher, Centre Manager, Programme and Operations Manager.
Job Titles:
- Group Development Director / Regional Director, Southeast Asia
Michael's 25+ year career in international education spans roles across teaching, educational management and strategic development.
As Group Development Director, Michael leads the growth of the Kings Partners Schools transnational network, as well as global universities agreements. Michael is also Regional Director for Southeast Asia and is responsible for student recruitment growth from the region across the Kings portfolio.
Having grown up within an international education environment, Michael first taught at schools and colleges in the UK and Europe. He subsequently held senior positions at Chichester College, Cambridge Education Group and Astrum Education, leading several innovative development projects.
A graduate from the University of Southampton and the University of Portsmouth, Michael holds an MA in Business Management as well as postgraduate teaching qualifications.
Michael is father to grown-up twin daughters. His personal interests include modern history and geopolitics, and he also enjoys maintaining his classic car and following his local football team.
Job Titles:
- Admissions & Client Support Manager
"As an Admissions Coordinator I'm in daily contact with agents from different countries answering general questions, quoting prices for their students' specific needs, processing every new booking, and making sure we have all the information we need before the students arrive to our centres each summer.
I'm originally from Argentina and after graduating as a Graphic Designer and Graphic Design Professor, I moved to the UK where I worked in Hospitality until I joined Kings. I started working with the Airport Transfers team in June 2022 and as an Admissions Coordinator from September that same year.
Job Titles:
- Chemistry Teacher and Science Coordinator