Senior Leadership Group

Adam Williams is Dean of the Faculty of Business and Creative Industries, providing strategic and academic leadership across the Faculty. He is responsible for its overall performance, growth and sustainability, educational quality and student outcomes, research and innovation, external engagement, and building a high-performing Faculty for colleagues and students.

As Director of Planning and Performance, Charlie helps turn institutional strategy into measurable outcomes. He leads the development of university priorities, ensures data and insight inform decision-making, and drives performance improvement across the organisation. Charlie is passionate about making data and AI accessible to everyone, enabling informed decisions and greater impact for students.

Donal joined USW in 2019, and has worked in higher education for more than 30 years leading international strategy, student recruitment, marketing, transnational education and global partnerships. He has held senior leadership roles across universities and private education providers, delivering international growth, market diversification, organisational transformation and sustainable income generation across the UK, Europe, Greater China and emerging markets.

As Director of Student Life, Emma provides strategic leadership for the University’s academic registry and quality, library and learning development, careers and graduate futures, student support, wellbeing and safeguarding services. She leads the development of an integrated Student Life approach focused on belonging, inclusion, student success and positive graduate outcomes.

As Deputy Dean Health, Gill Ince leads USW’s health and social care portfolio, working with Heads of Subject to strengthen academic quality, student outcomes and sustainable growth. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across the Faculty, championing inclusive practice, staff development, partnerships, wellbeing, quality enhancement and performance improvement priorities.

Jill leads the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at USW, steering the University's academic direction through change whilst keeping people, students, and quality at the centre. Jill's role is about building confidence, supporting colleagues, strengthening partnerships, growing research and innovation, and making sure USW delivers meaningful impact for its communities.

Julie leads the Engagement, Research and Commercialisation team to deliver strategic goals focussed on research and innovation, commercialisation, and external engagement. Julie works collaboratively across knowledge exchange, research development, regional skills, commercialisation and civic engagement, expanding external income opportunities and connecting academic expertise with partners to deliver meaningful economic, social and community impact

Dr Louise Pennell is Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, providing strategic leadership for education, research, partnerships and operations. She works collaboratively with staff, students, industry and external stakeholders to enhance quality, drive innovation, support organisational development, and deliver sustainable growth across the Faculty.

Lynne Wakefield is Group Director of Finance at the University of South Wales, with responsibility for leading the Finance Department and overseeing the University's financial management, governance, and compliance framework. She provides strategic leadership across financial reporting, business partnering, treasury, taxation, payroll, and financial systems, supporting the University's long-term sustainability and strategic ambitions.

Mike is responsible for strategic oversight of the University’s physical estate and the facilities within that support an outstanding student experience. This includes building maintenance, facilities management (cleaning, security, grounds and waste), environment sustainability and carbon neutrality, residential accommodation, capital projects that enhance USW’s campuses, and space management and allocation.

Nathalie Czechowski is Chief Information Officer at the University of South Wales. She leads the University's digital, data, cyber security and technology services, ensuring reliable and secure operations while driving digital transformation, innovation and the effective use of technology to support teaching, research, student success and institutional performance.

Rob Griffiths is Deputy Dean and Director of Sport within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education. He leads on growth, teaching and learning, student experience, partnerships across sport, education, policing and criminology. As Director of Sport, Rob leads on the strategic development of sport and physical activity for staff and students at USW.

Professor Rob Orford is Dean of Life Sciences and Education at the University of South Wales. He provides strategic leadership across education, research, partnerships and civic mission, with a focus on social mobility, sustainable growth and ensuring the Faculty delivers positive outcomes for students, communities, employers and public services.

Sian leads the University’s communications, public affairs, and policy teams, shaping and protecting its reputation and strengthening its influence. Her team oversee media and research communications, communications with colleagues and current students, crisis communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and policy insight, building understanding, influence, and advocacy for the University regionally, nationally, and internationally.

William Callaway is University Secretary & Clerk to the Governors, he is responsible for Board of Governors and corporate governance at the University, RWCMD & CMT. As such he reports to the Vice-Chancellor and the Chair of the Board. He also has several compliance and regulatory responsibilities including Information Governance, Legal Services, UKVI, Student Casework & Welsh Language. He has worked at the University for almost 20-years and before that worked at five different universities in London and Wales.