University of Gloucestershire has strengthened its top team with Katharine Clough joining the executive in the new role of chief marketing officer and pro vice-chancellor external engagement.

Katharine, who is currently the director of external relations at Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester, will start at the University in June 2024.

She will be responsible for working with colleagues to drive growth in student numbers and strengthen the University of Gloucestershire brand in collaboration with staff, students and partners.

With a breadth of experience in marketing, student recruitment, business planning and brand and profile building across higher education, local government and the financial sector, Katharine will be part of an executive team made up of Vice-Chancellor Clare Marchant, Professor Jackie Labbe (Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost), Matthew Andrews (chief operating officer and pro vice-chancellor student experience), Camille Stallard (chief finance officer) and Julie-Ann Brooks (director of people).

Since joining RAU in 2021, Katharine has led a brand refresh, driven increases in applications and enrolments and led the stakeholder engagement strategy for a multi-million-pound estates transformation. She has also successfully re-shaped external and internal communications.

Prior to joining RAU, Katharine was the director of external engagement at University of Wolverhampton, where she played a key role in building their brand as a civic university and attracting significant government investment as the engagement lead for the University's Springfield Campus (Europe's largest construction campus), the Cyber Quarter in Hereford and the Marches Centre of Health Excellence.

She joined Wolverhampton from leading the marketing, communications and research function at Worcestershire County Council, having previously been Associate Dean for University of Wolverhampton's Business School.

Katharine's experience in leading marketing, PR and business development also spans Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, NatWest Bank and international online stockbroker Charles Schwab UK Ltd.

Katharine said: "University of Gloucestershire has a fantastic reputation for its quality of teaching, employability rates and commitment to sustainability.

"Building on these solid foundations, the University is now entering an incredibly exciting chapter, with a clear vision for the future, focused on how it connects people and places through its outstanding courses, vibrant study body, strong employer relationships and talented workforce.

"To play a part in this ambitious next stage of the University's journey will be a privilege and I can't wait to join the team in the summer."

Clare Marchant, Vice-Chancellor at University of Gloucestershire, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Katharine to #TeamGlos. Our executive and the leadership of our four new academic schools are excited to tap into her wealth of experience and insights to continue to transform our student and applicant offer and experience, and drive growth in our areas of real strength.

"She impressed us all with her collaborative leadership style, her success in working with partners to drive change and tell impactful shared stories, and her commitment to putting students and applicants at the heart of everything we do.

"Her values are ours, and she joins us at an exciting time for the university, as we evolve our brand, and major partnership projects such as City Campus in Gloucester and our new cyber and computing facilities in Cheltenham start to come to fruition."