Gemmaine Walsh to join Department for Education

Friday, 11 November 2016

Gemmaine Walsh, Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement (MCE), is leaving the University to become the Director of Communications at the Department for Education. Her last day will be Thursday 22 December 2016.

Before joining the University in 2012, Gem previously worked for the Department for Education as their Deputy Head of News, and has held several communications roles for government bodies including the Department for Work and Pensions, Home Office and Ministry of Defence. 

At the helm of MCE, Gem has played an integral role in shaping the University’s identity, as well as building operational models and strategies for creative development and engagement. 

“I am so incredibly proud of everything MCE has achieved since I started in October 2012, “says Gem. 

“Together, we have established a high-performing, multi-award winning professional and skilled function, which delivers great work for the University and is respected and recognised across the sector. I am looking forward to returning to the Department for Education, but I really will miss my fellow colleagues in MCE and the wider University community.”

Speaking of Gem’s achievements, Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell commented, “I am hugely grateful to Gem for the contributions she has made in her four years with us. She has played a crucial role in helping to raise our profile in the ever-more competitive world of higher education. The evidence is clear in the recent growth in student numbers and our more visible external presence. I am sure that her experience with us will be invaluable as she takes up her new role at the centre of government.”

The University will advertise for a new Director for Marketing, Communications and Engagement next year. Handover and interim management arrangements will be announced in due course.