Rising Leaders

Keele qualifications: Accounting and Finance, Class of 2018

Current role: Elliott is a social entrepreneur. In 2022, at the age of 25, Elliott was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Amongst other accolades, this year, he was invited to receive an honourary knighthood from the Mayor of Florence. He has represented the UK at several national and global speaking events, including COP28, UN ESCAP, World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, and UK Cabinet Away Day. His work is featured on BBC Breakfast, GB News, Times Radio, and LBC. He sits on several charitable boards and is currently the Vice Chair of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and an Ambassador of GEN UK.

Keele qualifications: Medicine, Class of 2021

Current role: Dr Jacob Oguntimehin is an emergency medicine resident doctor with an interest in health systems strengthening and policy. He has worked in numerous roles both at international and national scale to contribute to work to improve health services at the system level. He is also the Founder and Director of The Aspiring Medic's Support, a registered community interest company dedicated to supporting current and aspiring medical students from less privileged backgrounds.

Keele qualifications: Learning Disability Nursing, Class of 2022

Current role: Lincoln Gombedza is a Learning Disabilities Nurse and pioneering digital health innovator, dedicated to advancing patient-centred care through technology. Actively involved with national organisations, including Sigma Nursing and the Florence Nightingale Foundation, he also serves as Regional Hub Lead for the UK Nursing Now Challengers, promoting digital transformation and evidence-based practice. During the pandemic, as part of the NHS Digital Shared Decision-Making Council, Lincoln was instrumental in supporting over 10,000 virtual appointments. His contributions to the Nursing and Midwifery Council have helped shape future nursing standards, embedding digital competencies to prepare nurses for an evolving healthcare landscape.

Keele qualifications: Business Administration & Media, Comms and Culture, Class of 2009 

Current role: James holds an MA in Management from Keele University, with experience spanning start-ups, growth/private equity-backed businesses, an S&P 500 software company and PwC. Currently as Consulting Client and Alliances Sales Director, he drives growth and innovation within PwC’s UKI Customer-Led Transformation practice. Drawing on his experiences with ADHD and eczema, James co-founded PwC’s support communities for both. A father of two, he is active in his sons’ primary school and balances family life with supporting children's grassroots sports, fitness and competitive masters swimming. 

Keele qualifications: History and International Relations, Class of 2010

Current role: As CEO and co-founder of ThinkGlobal HR, Merryn provides strategic guidance to clients worldwide, addressing complex needs in international HR operations, compliance, and employee relations. Merryn's previous roles in global expansion include leading client delivery as Head of Global HR Consulting at Cintra Global, where she managed HR projects across multiple regions. Her expertise in HR strategy, global compliance, and employee engagement makes her a trusted advisor in the field.

Keele qualifications: Film Studies & Creative Writing, Class of 2020

Current role: Working at the National Theatre allows me to produce and direct a wide variety of content, the most recent being the ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ trailer, released earlier this year in all its pink glory. My role as a content producer isn’t just about making marketing material; it takes me all around the building. I’ve made videos with the costume department and stage crew, and I even ventured to Sheffield to create a mini-doc on Park Hill—the estate which inspired Standing at the Skys Edge. No two days are the same, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Keele qualifications: Information Technology Management for Business, Class of 2012

Current role: Originally from Staffordshire, now based in South London. Scott looks back on his time at Keele with fond memories and has many lasting friendships that are still as strong today. After leaving Keele, Scott moved to the Southeast and ‘fell’ into recruitment with a small agency. He then moved ‘in-house’ to a large consultancy where he also embarked on MSc studies in HR Development and Consultancy. Having established and led Talent Acquisition and HR functions for several companies, Scott is now Interim Head of HR for a Green Tech business delivering long duration storage capacity for the UK energy market.

Keele qualifications: Politics and Sociology, Class of 2006

Current role: Stephen is currently Head of PR at Amazon Prime Video. "I attended Keele between 2003 and 2006, studying Politics and Sociology. After leaving Keele, I moved to London after earning a place on a two-year graduate scheme with Orange. I moved to ITV’s Programme PR team in 2011, working on shows such as I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! and Love Island. In 2016 I joined the BBC, working on top global brands including Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing -  managing the publicity campaigns and crisis comms on some of the UK’s biggest shows. Since moving to Amazon Prime Video in 2021, I’ve worked across brand, consumer and content PR across multiple territories including Africa, Netherlands and Central Eastern Europe.

Keele qualifications: Law, Class of 2013

Current role: Chris Rust, Deputy Serjeant at Arms of the House of Commons, has played a pivotal role in overseeing security and order in Westminster over the past 8 years. A Keele University Law graduate, Chris’ career began unexpectedly as a part-time steward at the Students’ Union during his studies. Since then, he has managed security during key national moments at the Palace of Westminster – as well during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. With experience in security and crisis management, Chris’ journey underscores the value of being open to unexpected career paths.
Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

Keele qualifications: Politics, Class of 2008

Current role: Luke is currently a Senior Manager for Enterprise Consumer Payments at The Walt Disney Company, where he leads Disney’s payment strategy for Disney+ streaming, parks, retail, theatrical and travel in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Luke graduated from Keele in 2008 with a degree in Politics,and has also held positions at Mastercard and British Airways, where he was a Senior Manager in payments for the airline.

Keele qualifications: Law & Criminology, Class of 2013

Current role: Roshanne Dorsett is the founder of The Glowcery, a transformative skincare brand renowned for its low-intervention ingredients and high-potency advocacy. Previously a Criminal and Human Rights Lawyer, Roshanne worked on the landmark Supreme Court appeal R v Jogee. In 2023, Roshanne's formulation expertise was recognised and earned her footing in the Top 25 of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty. As well as two prestigious beauty awards, including Best Facial Oil of 2020 by Women’s Health (Clean Greens Superfood Serum) and Best Cleanser of 2021 by Cosmopolitan (Blue Dew Fruit Enzyme Cleanser). Roshanne's inspiring narrative has been featured in British Vogue, ITV’s This Morning, Elle, and more, alongside collaborations with Virgin Start Up, The Guardian Labs, and Soho House.

Keele qualifications: History & Economics, Class of 2014

Current role: Steph is currently Head of People at Clearmatics. She owns and runs the the business HR function, including HR admin, creating documentation and writing policies. Steph also works with business stakeholders to define the business HR strategy to increase employee engagement, recognition, learning and development and overall job satisfaction within the business. Steph's interests include Blockchain, DeFi, emerging technologies and helping staff grow, personally and professionally.

Keele qualifications: Politics and Sociology, Class of 2020 and Global Media and Management, Class of 2022

Current role: Daiva is currently a Senior Research Executive at Sky. "Holding a first-class BA and a Merit MA in Global media & management from Keele University, I began a market research career at Ipsos on the graduate scheme as a quant exec, working in brand communication with a broad range of clients across a broad range of sectors. Most recently, I moved to Sky joining their in-house research team as a senior research executive, engaging in varied projects from content strategy, pricing, loyalty, connectivity etc… further expanding my market research skills & methodologies whilst growing my network within a large innovative company offering various products and services."

Keele qualifications: Economics & International Relations, Class of 2012

Current role: Matthew Clarke is co-founder and director of Cantaset, a Cambridge-based company that delivers cutting-edge data and AI platforms. For over a decade, he has overseen the design and development of data/AI systems for more than 50 global organisations and businesses ranging from BAE Systems, Coca-Cola and Bailiee Gifford to Ark Schools Trust, the Red Cross and Flood Re.

Keele qualifications: Accounting & Human Resource Management, Class of 2014

Current role: Sabrina is an International Real Estate Investment Advisor & Immigration Consultant. She also has seven years' experience in marketing and business development in industries such as luxury hotels, education, media, real estate and non-profit. Sabrina is an avid traveller that has lived in five countries (China, Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom and USA), and has travelled to 85 cities.

Keele qualifications: Human Resource Management & Sociology, Class of 2006

Current role: Alastair is currently Head of Talent & HR Buisness Partnering at Alpine F1 Team. "I’m responsible for recruiting everybody apart from the race drivers – so that includes everyone from people working in finance to race engineers. We currently have almost 1,000 employees." Alastair graduated from Keele in 2006 with a degree in Human Resource Management and Sociology. After working as an assistant HR Business Partner at Housing 21 and a HR Business Partner at NSF International, he was appointed Talent Manager at Alpine in 2017 before becoming Head of Talent in 2022.

Keele qualifications: International Relations & Psychology, Class of 2009

Current role: Jas is Associate Director - Higher Education at UK India Business Council. Jas has extensive experience working across international education and government relations at several reputable organisations, in both the UK and India, with a global focus. In 2019, she left London to join student recruitment consultant, The Chopras (TC Global), in New Delhi as a Consultant in International Relations, eventually becoming a Partner and leading teams handling over 700 University Partnerships and Events. During her 5+ years in India, she gained a deep understanding of the student recruitment and higher education landscape, both from within and from outside of India. Prior to The Chopras, Jas worked with Pearson, CIPD and Edexcel, grounding her understanding and breadth of experience in the education sector. She was previously on the Executive Board of a Human Rights NGO, focused on minority and caste discrimination. In her new role, Jas is to marry her experiences and knowledge-base to help build deeper and more meaningful connections between the UK and India, within Higher Education but beyond just student recruitment.

Keele qualifications: Marketing and Psychology, Class of 2012

Current role: Dom recently started a new role at American Express as Chief of Staff to the Chief Talent Officer, where he focuses on the strategic design and execution of enterprise-wide talent development initiatives. Prior to this he held multiple roles at Barclays Bank, including Head of Business Management for Customer & Digital Experiences. Dom earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Marketing from Keele University, and one in Leadership & Business from Anglia Ruskin University, and most recently completed an Executive MBA at the University of Warwick. Outside of work, Dom lives in East London with his partner Jay, and their very naughty sausage dog, Mischief.

Keele qualifications: Psychology, Class of 2020

Current role: Matt is Director of Neuro XR, a company which provides visual cognitive insights for immersive creative industries environments. Neuro XR is developing an AI and neuroscience-based heat map platform that helps developers of physical and virtual spaces and products better understand their users and form more sustainable relationships through real-time, accurate and visual feedback analytics.