University of Brighton appoints alumna Jo Stuart as Chief Marketing and Growth Officer

Bringing her wealth of leadership experience, Jo will join the university’s executive team with responsibility for all student recruitment activities, marketing and communications, as well as leading the university’s strategy for commercial growth.

An alumna of the University of Brighton with a degree in International Tourism Management, Jo returns to the university after more than two decades in the financial services sector and more recently, the higher education sector, serving as Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire.

Jo joined Hertfordshire in 2018 as Director of Marketing and Communications and played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s international strategy, leading global student recruitment, Transnational Education, UK recruitment, student mobility, and brand development.

Under her leadership, the University of Hertfordshire’s global engagement work was recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade) in 2024. At Brighton, Jo will build on that success by strengthening the university’s global profile and welcoming more students drawn to its values of equity, creativity, sustainability, partnership, and courage.

Announcing the appointment, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, Professor Donna Whitehead, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jo back to Brighton. She brings a wealth of experience in international higher education, reputation management, and strategic growth. As a Brighton alumna, Jo’s return is a powerful testament to the strength of our community and the global impact of our graduates.”

Jo, who graduated from University of Brighton in 1996, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Brighton at such an exciting and pivotal point as the new strategy is launched. As an alumna of the university, I know the transformative impact it had on my life, and I look forward to working with staff and students to grow the global reach and impact of the university even further”

Jo Stuart’s appointment marks a key step in the university’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its international profile, driving commercial growth, and delivering opportunities from students across the world.