Strengthening our MENA presence with appointment of higher education search specialist Elaine Hardman

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Elaine Hardman as part of our growing Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team. Her appointment marks another significant step in our continued investment into supporting educational institutions in the MENA region.

Less than a year after establishing our MENA HQ in Dubai, we have enhanced our MENA based team through Elaine’s appointment. The move underlines our long-term commitment to the region and ambition to become the partner of choice for universities, schools and education providers seeking exceptional leadership talent. It also reflects our confidence in the continued growth and evolution of the education sector across the region.

The appointment comes at a time when schools and higher education institutions across the Gulf and wider MENA region are expanding rapidly, pursuing ambitious national development strategies, and competing globally for academic and professional talent. Elaine’s extensive knowledge of the education sector, lived experience of the MENA region, established networks, and specialist expertise will further strengthen our ability to support institutions in identifying and attracting outstanding talent capable of driving transformation and create a lasting impact.

Elaine brings more than 20 years of search and recruitment experience, with a particular focus on higher education appointments. As the founder of EHE Search, the region’s only recruitment business dedicated exclusively to higher education, Elaine has become a trusted advisor to universities across the UAE and wider region. Throughout her career, she has developed deep relationships across the education sector and built a reputation for identifying and engaging exceptional candidates for academic, professional services, and edtech roles.

Elaine Hardman said:

“Having built my career supporting universities and educational organisations, the opportunity to join Anderson Quigley was compelling because of its reputation for quality, integrity and genuine partnership with clients. The higher education sector across the Gulf and wider MENA region is entering a period of unprecedented growth and ambition, creating exciting opportunities for institutions to attract world-class talent. I am delighted to join AQ at such an important stage in its international journey and look forward to helping institutions identify the key talent who will shape their future.”

Ed Pritchard, Managing Partner at Anderson Quigley, said:

“Elaine is a highly respected higher education search professional operating in the MENA region. Her deep sector expertise, extensive network, and proven track record make her an outstanding addition to our team. Her appointment represents another important milestone in AQ’s investment in the region, and whilst some search providers have been cautious with the current political climate, AQ is committed to continue to build its long-term presence in the region, and Elaine’s arrival is a significant step in that journey.”