Interim CEO, UK Based Higher Education Institution

Anderson Quigley is looking to speak with proven CEOs and Managing Directors for a confidential interim appointment starting in September 2026 with a UK based HEI.

We are crucially looking for the all of the following:

1.) Full organisational P&L ownership, with a track record of delivering budgets, protecting revenue and maintaining commercial momentum within a UK HE context.

2.) Experience stabilising HEIs and bringing immediate operational continuity, pace, structure and accountability.

3.) Experience leading through acquisition, integration, transformation and significant organisational change.

4.) The ability to coordinate complex integration workstreams across academics, marketing, admissions, finance, HR, operations and regulation.

5.) Credibility with Boards, shareholders, staff, faculty and senior stakeholders, alongside the judgement to communicate clearly and retain confidence through change.

6.) Availability to start before or during September 2026.

In summary:

In a nut-shell, we would be grateful to hear from established CEOs and MDs who can run the business, deliver the integration and create a stable platform for the future permanent CEO. This is not primarily an academic leadership appointment. The successful candidate will need strong commercial instincts, financial discipline and the ability to operate effectively in an ambiguous and fast moving environment.

Next steps:

Please contact Akhil Yerneni directly via akhil.yerneni@andersonquigley.com to discuss further in confidence.

Please note that whilst we guarantee to respond to every enquiry, we will only be able to share expanded details with those who closely match the brief due to the sensitivity of the appointment.