Board of Governors
Our Board of Governors comprises highly experienced specialists with significant knowledge across various sectors. Each member brings unique expertise, enabling the board to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions. Their diverse backgrounds ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic guidance for our organization's success.
Dave Wibberley began his Higher Education career as a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Docks Business School in 2010. Prior to that, he had had a successful career as an executive in the international music industry, working with a variety of commercially successful artists. Between 2018 and 2024, he served as the Head of Management at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, founded by Sir Paul McCartney in 1996. Dave's pedagogical approach is about embedding contemporary industry and business realities into higher education teaching and learning, and always making sure that the student experience is inspirational, empowering and transformative.
Jackie McCoy is Professor of Management Development, and Associate Dean, Development & Partnerships International at the Ulster University Business School. She is also a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, Advance HE. She is a former Director of the Ulster University/QAHE Partnership and headed up the University’s Branch campuses in London and Birmingham. Professor McCoy’s other leadership roles include former Director of The Business Institute, Head of Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Strategy and Head of Small Business Development at the Northern Ireland Small Business Institute (NISBI).In 2004, she was awarded an Ulster University Distinguished Fellowship for outstanding contribution to business and the community. She has been responsible for the design and delivery of a significant portfolio of management and business development initiatives and has carried out extensive consultancy projects and strategic collaborations nationally and internationally. Jackie’s civic contribution includes: founder member of the School for Social Enterprises in Ireland established in 2005 as a joint Ulster University/Flax Trust initiative; former Chair of the Belfast Local Strategy Partnership with responsibility for the allocation of PEACE Funding across Belfast; voluntary board positions include Director of Ortus The Business Development Agency and former Chair of the Belfast International Arts Festival. She was awarded the MBE in the late Queen Elizabeth final New Years Honours List in 2022 for her services to Higher Education, Business and the Arts.
Andrew Green has been involved in education for nearly 40 years and has master’s degrees from two international universities. He has been engaged in TNE and online courses since 1988 with Sony Language Laboratory, Tokyo, for eight years before heading the English Departments of two Japanese universities. He has taught in America, France, Germany, Italy, and Asian countries before returning to the UK. Andrew Green joined Victoria College of Arts and Design over six years ago and has been part of the development team as Principal and then Director of Partnership Development. Andrew Green is continually working on turning our parent company Planet Education Networks into a global player in TNE and bringing education to areas where people find it challenging to attend FE or HE courses. Education is a life changer and should be open to the majority, not the minority.
As a Chief Operating Officer (COO) Md Arifur Rahman drives operational excellence and innovation across seven educational businesses. With a strategic focus on UK Higher Education, student recruitment, and a global E-Learning platform, he is dedicated to shaping the future of education. With over 15 years of experience in the UK education industry, Arif excels in managing, mentoring, and designing marketing and operational strategies. He creates an engaging work environment that fosters lifelong learning and academic excellence. Arif connects students worldwide to transformative educational opportunities, emphasising cultural exchange and global learning experiences. He develops and implements cutting-edge educational solutions and spearheads student recruitment strategies. Building key partnerships with educational institutions, industry leaders, and stakeholders, Arif amplifies the impact of collective efforts. He expands Planet Education Networks' global E-Learning platform, making education accessible worldwide. Arif leads a talented and diverse team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. His strategic planning capabilities and leadership skills ensure that each business under Planet Education Networks contributes to their overarching vision. Arif holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in business. He is an energetic, motivated professional with a track record of achieving organisational goals, excelling in communication, and maintaining discretion with sensitive information.
Mohammed Ali is a dedicated managing academic and multi skilled professional with 17 years’ experience in the UK higher education sector. A decisive and results orientated supportive leader who contributes significantly to team/department success through his extensive knowledge in his subject field, detailed knowledge of the educational system and its institutions, and through personal commitment, diligence, and excellent organisational skills. He is adept at developing and executing partnership strategy while managing relationships with stakeholders and leading negotiations with partners. Ali possesses a proven track record of acquiring value-adding partnerships and managing projects both nationally and internationally. He acts as a leader of integrity – with considerable experience of working with multidisciplinary teams – who places a high value on honesty, capable of building cohesive teams and leading them to realise objectives. He is an effective communicator who works closely with colleagues and departments to instil cultures of collaboration and cross functional working. Ali has a collaborative approach to problem solving and a consultative approach to understanding risks and implementing strategic decisions. Finally, he has considerable experience of building partnerships with organisations from various sectors - higher education, hospitals, charity and technology.
Zain Kanwal has dedicated nearly a decade to the education sector, gaining extensive experience in recruitment, admissions, management, and quality assurance. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been crucial in enhancing educational quality. Zain's broad expertise and strong educational foundation have significantly advanced Higher Education in the UK. He consistently contributes valuable insights to improve institutional effectiveness and student outcomes. As a member of the Board of Governors, Zain Kanwal's proven dedication and comprehensive experience make him a valuable asset, ensuring the institution's continued success and exceptional educational delivery.
