16 July 2025
We are thrilled to announce Hugh Martin as Managing Partner MENA, as part of our expansion into the region and opening a new MENA headquarters in Dubai, UAE.
Hugh has worked in higher education senior management, both in the UK and internationally, for over 20 years, most recently as Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at the Asian University for Women, and Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer at The British University in Dubai.
He has also held positions including University Secretary at the University of Bedfordshire, Chief of Staff at the London School of Economics and Political Science , Head of Governance at the University of Bristol, and various executive roles at the University of St Andrews. As an academic, Hugh held the post of Associate Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at The Open University for 15 years.
Hugh has articles regularly published for leading education publications, including the Times Higher Education, the Higher Education Digest, and QS, as well as blogging on international education for AHUA, where he has served as international spokesperson on its Communications Group. He is also a TEDx speaker and is frequently invited to speak at international conferences and panels including the Times Higher Education, QS MAPLE, EduTech, and Bett MEA.
His deep sector and regional experience, combined with his strongly aligned values with AQ, made him the obvious appointment to the newly created position at AQ. During Hugh’s onboarding process, he answered a few questions about his background and future plans as part of the AQ team.
What drives your commitment to working within the education sector?
My commitment to the education sector stems from a deep-rooted belief in its transformative power. Having spent a significant part of my career in universities like St Andrews, Bristol, LSE, and Bedfordshire, I’ve seen first hand how education positively shapes lives and futures. I’ve been involved in all aspects of running educational institutions, from operational management, planning and governance, to recruitment, marketing, policy, and the student experience.
My passion is also reflected in my academic background, with degrees from Oxford and St Andrews, and as an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. I’m driven by the opportunity to contribute to an environment that fosters intellectual growth, develops individuals, and impacts society positively. My published thought leadership work and speaking engagements, often focusing on the future of higher education, global collaboration, and student success, further highlight this commitment.
What inspired you to move into executive recruitment?
My move into executive recruitment is a natural evolution of my experience in executive leadership and strategic development within higher education. Across my roles at the Asian University for Women, The British University in Dubai, and the University of Bedfordshire, I’ve been responsible for leading professional services, shaping institutional strategy, and building high-performing teams. I’ve consistently focused on identifying talent, restructuring departments, and implementing transformational change to meet strategic objectives, whether it was introducing undergraduate programmes, developing new campuses, or modernising governance.
This hands-on expertise in building and optimising leadership structures within universities, as well as my own experience as a secondary school governor and chair of an academy council, have given me a unique insight into the critical importance of selecting the right leaders in both the K12 and higher education sectors. I’m excited to leverage this to help institutions find the exceptional talent they need to thrive.
Why did you choose to join Anderson Quigley?
I choose AQ for its reputation as an innovative, people-oriented business with clear ambition and purpose. My career trajectory indicates a strong alignment with organisations that are making a significant impact in the education space. I’ve known the AQ team for some years, they’re the best in the business and I am looking forward to working and learning with them.
You’re going to be based in the UAE. Is there a reason for choosing this as your MENA headquarters?
My decision to base myself in the UAE for a focus on the MENA region is a strategic one, building on my significant experience and established network in the region. For several years, I served as Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer at The British University in Dubai (BUiD), where I was responsible for all operations and staff. During my time at BUiD, I was instrumental in developing collaborations and agreements with partners, including initiating the first 2+2/2+3/1+3 degrees between UAE and British Russell Group universities.
I have been a frequent speaker and panellist at numerous education events across the MENA region, including Times Higher Education conferences in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, QS Higher Education conferences in Kuwait and the UAE, and the Middle East Education Thought Leadership Forum. This extensive engagement has given me a deep understanding of the educational challenges, and opportunities across MENA, and the UAE is an ideal logistical hub from which to operate.
What will your initial focus be?
My initial focus will be on leveraging my extensive network and understanding of the higher education sector within MENA, connecting with key institutions and identifying leadership challenges. Having spent years leading strategic initiatives, fostering collaborations, and implementing significant changes within universities in the region, I’ll build strong relationships with vice-chancellors, presidents, headteachers, and other senior leaders.
My goal will be to understand their unique challenges and aspirations, and then to identify and attract exceptional talent that can drive their institutions forward. Given my experience in areas like strategy, governance, and transformational change, I will be particularly focused on placements that require visionary leadership to navigate the evolving educational landscape in the MENA region.
If you have any further questions, or would like to connect with Hugh, please email him at hugh.martin@andersonquigley.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
