Colin Hughes to become AQA’s Chief Executive

Published: Wednesday 19 Feb 2020

We’ve appointed Colin Hughes as our new Chief Executive.

Colin is joining AQA from HarperCollins, where he’s been Managing Director of Collins Learning since 2012. He brings many years of experience in developing and delivering corporate strategies and education technology.

Colin will join us on 1 June for a 3-month induction period, formally taking up his role as CEO on 1 September. During this period, Mark Bedlow will continue leading the organisation.

Justin Van Wijngaarden, Chair of AQA’s board of trustees, said: “Colin really believes in AQA’s mission to help millions of young people realise their potential – so I’m delighted that he’s bringing his vast amount of leadership experience in the education sector and building on our strengths as an organisation.

“I’d like to thank Mark Bedlow for leading AQA over the past months and those ahead. His authenticity and focus on quality has had a really positive impact on the organisation and its people, and he’ll continue to be a much-valued asset to AQA and a critical member of the executive team.”

Colin Hughes said: “Naturally I’m thrilled to be joining the well-knit and purposeful executive team at AQA, and to help take the organisation through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It’s a privilege to have been asked to be part of such a values-driven organisation, dedicated to providing high-quality qualifications and fair assessments to all students.”

Biography

Colin Hughes joined HarperCollins in 2012. Prior to this, he founded Learnthings Ltd – the Guardian’s digital learning business - in 2000, and was appointed Managing Director of Guardian Professional in 2006 and Director, Business and Professional, in 2009. Earlier in his career, Colin worked as a journalist for the Press Association and The Times – before moving to the Independent, where he held roles including Policy Editor and Education Editor. He spent five years as Managing Editor of the Independent and Independent on Sunday.

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