Nous Group’s education practice has been further strengthened with the appointment of two new world-class higher education consultants as Principals.

Julie Mercer is joining our London office as a Principal to support our clients on higher education strategy and transformation.

Julie has worked in education systems in the United Kingdom, the Middle East, India, Australia and the United States. She has worked at all levels in the UK education system, from policy development and implementation through to working with universities, further education colleges and vocational training providers, academy chains and international schools groups. Most recently, Julie was a Higher Education and Transformation Lead Partner at Cairneagle. At Deloitte she was Global Industry Lead Partner for Education for a decade.

“I am very much looking forward to joining Nous and helping to bring the unique Nous proposition to more clients in the UK and globally,” Julie said. “I have been very struck by the Nous team’s energy and commitment and their desire to support clients to make positive, lasting change. I am delighted to be joining such a talented and purpose-driven firm and look forward to making my contribution to the collective success of our teams and our clients.”

Matt Durnin is joining our Toronto office as a Principal to support our clients on international education strategy.

Matt is a higher education and market intelligence expert with global experience. He was previously the Global Head of Insights & Consultancy for the British Council, where he led the global consulting and market intelligence services for UK education institutions. He has delivered more than 40 consultancy projects for UK universities to support international recruitment, partnerships and strategy in more than 20 countries. Matt has created thought leadership work widely covered in industry and mainstream media.

“I’m excited to join Nous because of the team’s reputation for excellence and track record of delivering transformation change,” Matt said. “We are in the middle of a challenging and fascinating era in education because so many forces are pushing us to rethink how the industry operates. I’m looking forward to helping clients reimagine their strategic approaches to succeed in this rapidly changing environment.”

Tim Orton, the founder and Managing Principal of Nous Group, said he was pleased to welcome Julie and Matt to the higher education team.

“Julie and Matt bring world-leading insights and experience to Nous Group. I know our clients across the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia will value their counsel as they confront their biggest challenges,” Tim said.

“These appointments are a further sign of Nous’ market leadership position in higher education. Following our acquisition earlier this year of higher education specialists NousCubane, our education practice, led by Hamish Ride, and our higher education specialists, led by Zac Ashkanasy, are going from strength to strength.

“I welcome Julie and Matt to the Nous team and look forward to the positive influence they will help our clients to achieve.”

Contact Nous today to meet with Julie or Matt to discuss how they can support your higher education institution on its biggest challenges.