SPEAKER BIO’S
Emma Tronson
Deputy Director Marketing & Recruitment @Aston University
Emma Tronson is Deputy Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at Aston University, where she leads the department’s AI taskforce and strategy implementation. She also holds the role of Aston’s Alan Turing Institute Liaison and is passionate about innovative technologies in higher education marketing and recruitment.
With a background in the hospitality sector, Emma brings a unique perspective to HE, combining customer-centric thinking with innovative technology adoption. Her work in developing and implementing AI strategy has been recognised with award shortlisting, and her trailblazing entrance into the HE sector earned her the HEIST Rising Star Award in 2025.
Beyond spreadsheets and strategy documents, Emma’s life is filled with giggles and glitter thanks to her two young daughters, who keep her grounded in what really matters while she navigates the rapidly evolving world of AI in higher education.
Neil Fox
I started as a copywriter. But I was young and knew nothing. I went for the wrong job and became a media planner. After five years I swapped an offer to double my salary for a 50% pay cut and learned enough to start my own agency. After ten years of mostly great work and a fair few missteps, I sold to my top team and started a small consultancy. Small business of the year within a year I then met Seb and Tim and eloped with Pukka. Five years as Creative & Marketing director we sold to Unilever and I stayed on to help take the brand to £100m. Two years as global Creative and Digital director for Lipton is enough tea for anyone. These days I am COO of Artichoke – quite probably the best designer and maker of interiors in the world. I am also marketing director of St Eval. Perhaps the most wonderful candle maker in the world. Every day brings massive imposter syndrome and the recognition that no one has been luckier to work with such incredible teams and people than me. What a privilege to have worked with them and on occasion lead them. Look up, look ahead.
Kyle Campbell
Founder, Managing Director @ Education Marketer
Kyle Campbell is the Founder of Education Marketer, an insights and marketing strategy firm for higher ed, and author of the Education Marketer newsletter. He’s also the Founder of Nintendo Friends in HE, the sector’s largest cross-university society for HE staff.
Jon Coe
Head of Student Recruitment & Events @The University of Sheffield
Jon is an experienced higher education leader who’s passionate about creating great experiences for students and staff alike. As Head of Student Recruitment & Corporate Events at the University of Sheffield, he oversees everything from Lead Generation, Schools Liaison, Corporate Events, Recruitment Events, Enquiries, Customer Service, Student Ambassadors and Graduations.
Jon’s career spans leadership in Access, Widening participation, Admissions, Faculty Student Recruitment and Schools Liaison. Before joining higher education, he taught Business and Mathematics, bringing a grounded understanding of learner experience to his work.
Jo Redfern Evans
Jo Redfern Evans is the founder and CEO of Education Cubed. Her career began at The Independent newspaper, where she joined the advertising department as a bright-eyed graduate trainee. Within just eight years, she rose through the ranks to join the board, leading a high-performing team and driving commercial success across the business. From there, Jo took her expertise to UCAS, heading up UCAS Media as Commercial Director, steering the organisation’s commercial strategy and deepening its connections with students and universities nationwide. She later became Commercial Director at The Student Room, further cementing her influence in the education and youth media landscape. In 2018, Jo channelled her passion and insight into launching Education Cubed, building it from an ambitious start-up into one of the sector’s most respected marketing agencies. As the business expanded, she stepped into the CEO role in early 2023, guiding the company with creativity and purpose.
An award-winning leader, sector mentor, and outspoken advocate for workplace equality, Jo is driven by a belief in collaboration, innovation, and the power of education to transform lives.
Will Greeves
Services Director @ Education Cubed
Will has a proven track record of success in paid media, combining strong strategic and cross-functional team leadership skills with commercial acumen to add significant value to organisations. With over 13 years’ experience in digital marketing, and having successfully led marketing teams for many years, Will has substantial expertise in delivering complex marketing projects across the public sector, global non-profit professional bodies, and for-profit education institutions.
Vivek Evjemo
Commercial Director @ Education Cubed
Vivek Evjemo is the Commercial Director of Education Cubed. Over twelve years ago, he began his journey in Higher Education and agency life as an Account Coordinator, and since then he has undertaken every possible role that there is within Account Management.
During this time, he has developed a deep insight into the sector and its bespoke recruitment requirements, which are constantly evolving. His commitment to the sector can be seen through his strong client relationships, strategic insight, and his competitive nature. His goal is always to deliver the best.
Now, Vivek plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s commercial strategy, forging partnerships, and ensuring the agency remains at the forefront of the sector.
He is #AgencyLife through and through, with a strong passion for education that makes him a trusted partner to clients and a key contributor to the company’s continued success.
Dan Barcroft
Director, Marketing Admissions Recruitment and Communications @The University of Sheffield
Amandeep Aulakh
Associate Head of Client Partnerships, UK Domestic @IDP Education
Amandeep Aulakh is Associate Head of Client Partnerships, working with UK universities to deliver strategic, insight-led marketing and recruitment campaigns. With over 11 years’ experience in the sector, she has worked with many different institutions, identifying solutions to their marketing and recruitment challenges and objectives, driving highly successful outcomes. Sharing unique insight and data that is forward looking, is a significant part of her day-to-day work, allowing for future planning for our partners. Amandeep also works closely with the Director of Client Partnerships, UK to lead the Domestic team at IDP Education by formulating and implementing our long-term strategy within the organisation.
Joe Marzano
Account Director @IDP Education
Joe Marzano is an Account Director at IDP, working with UK universities to strengthen their domestic recruitment strategies through data informed planning, digital engagement, and market insights. Prior to joining IDP, Joe was Head of Partnerships at The Ambassador Platform, leading institutional partnerships across the UK and EMEA while supporting universities in North America and APAC with peer-to-peer engagement and applicant experience. He has a background in education technology and student recruitment, and is focused on helping institutions build effective, student-centred journeys in an increasingly competitive landscape.
ELLIOT NEWSTEAD
Associate Director of Future Students @De Montfort University
Elliot’s role at De Montfort University (DMU) is to lead the Future Students department, created in 2024, which oversees the UK and International Admissions, Schools Liaison, Widening Access and Enquiries functions at the University. Prior this role, Elliot worked at the University of Leicester for 11 years in student recruitment and outreach positions. Elliot, up until recently, also chaired the Education theme within the Universities Partnership, the civic university agreement between DMU, University of Leicester and Loughborough University.
For his sins, he’s also running the London Marathon in April 2026 so if anyone wants a leisurely run around Liverpool during the Conference, reach out!
Aaron Porter
Portfolio of non-executive board, trustee and advisory roles across a range of sectors.
Aaron Porter has a portfolio of Board and advisory roles. He is Chair of BPP University, Deputy Chair of Goldsmiths University and for Advance HE leads a national development programme for members of university boards and councils as well as having undertaken governance effectiveness reviews for over 50 UK universities. Beyond higher education he is a non-executive director of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, on the council of a statutory healthcare regulator and the trustee of a London theatre. Previously he was President of the National Union of Students during the high profile debate over tuition fees, and has served on the Council of the University of Leicester and on the Boards of Endsleigh Insurance, UCAS, the Higher Education Academy and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.
Owen O’Neill
CEO, Founder @Uni Compare
Owen is the CEO and Founder of Uni Compare, a student-first platform reshaping how young people choose their future. Today, Uni Compare reaches over 15million sessions a year, has welcomed 600,000+ registered students through their platform, and has apps approaching one million downloads — making it one of the UK’s most influential destinations for prospective student.
Danica Hill
Sales Director @Uni Compare
Danica is the Sales Director at Uni Compare and lead the commercial function across Sales, Client Success, and Campaigns ensuring outstanding service delivery and measurable results for the University partners. With over 20 years’ experience in the education sector, she brings deep expertise across third-party platforms and media agencies, combining strategic planning with hands-on execution. She is passionate about developing long-term partnerships and delivering data-led solutions that support institutional growth and student recruitment objectives.
VIC LITTLER
Chief Commercial Officer @Vepple
Vic has spent over a decade working in Higher Education marketing, where she’s developed a real passion for how universities connect with prospective students. Over the years, she’s worked closely with hundreds of universities, colleges and Students’ Unions, giving her a first-hand understanding of the pressures, trade-offs and realities marketing teams face.
As Vepple’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vic focuses on shaping products and partnerships that genuinely help student recruitment teams do their best work. Vic is especially interested in the role that experience and emotion play in student decision-making, and enjoys sharing honest, practical insights drawn from her time working alongside the sector.
Emma Tronson
Deputy Director Marketing & Recruitment @Aston University
Emma Tronson is Deputy Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at Aston University, where she leads the department’s AI taskforce and strategy implementation. She also holds the role of Aston’s Alan Turing Institute Liaison and is passionate about innovative technologies in higher education marketing and recruitment.
With a background in the hospitality sector, Emma brings a unique perspective to HE, combining customer-centric thinking with innovative technology adoption. Her work in developing and implementing AI strategy has been recognised with award shortlisting, and her trailblazing entrance into the HE sector earned her the HEIST Rising Star Award in 2025.
Beyond spreadsheets and strategy documents, Emma’s life is filled with giggles and glitter thanks to her two young daughters, who keep her grounded in what really matters while she navigates the rapidly evolving world of AI in higher education.
Neil Fox
I started as a copywriter. But I was young and knew nothing. I went for the wrong job and became a media planner. After five years I swapped an offer to double my salary for a 50% pay cut and learned enough to start my own agency. After ten years of mostly great work and a fair few missteps, I sold to my top team and started a small consultancy. Small business of the year within a year I then met Seb and Tim and eloped with Pukka. Five years as Creative & Marketing director we sold to Unilever and I stayed on to help take the brand to £100m. Two years as global Creative and Digital director for Lipton is enough tea for anyone. These days I am COO of Artichoke – quite probably the best designer and maker of interiors in the world. I am also marketing director of St Eval. Perhaps the most wonderful candle maker in the world. Every day brings massive imposter syndrome and the recognition that no one has been luckier to work with such incredible teams and people than me. What a privilege to have worked with them and on occasion lead them. Look up, look ahead.
Kyle Campbell
Founder, Managing Director
@ Education Marketer
Kyle Campbell is the Founder of Education Marketer, an insights and marketing strategy firm for higher ed, and author of the Education Marketer newsletter. He’s also the Founder of Nintendo Friends in HE, the sector’s largest cross-university society for HE staff.
Jon Coe
Head of Student Recruitment & Events
Marketing @The University of Sheffield
Jon Coe is an experienced higher education leader who’s passionate about creating great experiences for students and staff alike. As Head of Student Recruitment & Corporate Events at the University of Sheffield, he oversees everything from Lead Generation, Schools Liaison, Corporate Events, Recruitment Events, Enquiries, Customer Service, Student Ambassadors and Graduations.
Jon’s career spans leadership in Access, Widening participation, Admissions, Faculty Student Recruitment and Schools Liaison. Before joining higher education, he taught Business and Mathematics, bringing a grounded understanding of learner experience to his work.
Jo Redfern Evans
Jo Redfern Evans is the founder and CEO of Education Cubed. Her career began at The Independent newspaper, where she joined the advertising department as a bright-eyed graduate trainee. Within just eight years, she rose through the ranks to join the board, leading a high-performing team and driving commercial success across the business. From there, Jo took her expertise to UCAS, heading up UCAS Media as Commercial Director, steering the organisation’s commercial strategy and deepening its connections with students and universities nationwide. She later became Commercial Director at The Student Room, further cementing her influence in the education and youth media landscape. In 2018, Jo channelled her passion and insight into launching Education Cubed, building it from an ambitious start-up into one of the sector’s most respected marketing agencies. As the business expanded, she stepped into the CEO role in early 2023, guiding the company with creativity and purpose.
An award-winning leader, sector mentor, and outspoken advocate for workplace equality, Jo is driven by a belief in collaboration, innovation, and the power of education to transform lives.
Will Greeves
Services Director @ Education Cubed
Will has a proven track record of success in paid media, combining strong strategic and cross-functional team leadership skills with commercial acumen to add significant value to organisations. With over 13 years’ experience in digital marketing, and having successfully led marketing teams for many years, Will has substantial expertise in delivering complex marketing projects across the public sector, global non-profit professional bodies, and for-profit education institutions.
Vivek Evjemo
Commercial Director @ Education Cubed
Vivek Evjemo is the Commercial Director of Education Cubed. Over twelve years ago, he began his journey in Higher Education and agency life as an Account Coordinator, and since then he has undertaken every possible role that there is within Account Management.
During this time, he has developed a deep insight into the sector and its bespoke recruitment requirements, which are constantly evolving. His commitment to the sector can be seen through his strong client relationships, strategic insight, and his competitive nature. His goal is always to deliver the best.
Now, Vivek plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s commercial strategy, forging partnerships, and ensuring the agency remains at the forefront of the sector.
He is #AgencyLife through and through, with a strong passion for education that makes him a trusted partner to clients and a key contributor to the company’s continued success.
Dan Barcroft
Director, Marketing Admissions Recruitment and Communications @The University of Sheffield
AMANDEEP AULAKH
Associate Head of Client Partnerships, UK Domestic @IDP Eduaction
Amandeep Aulakh is Associate Head of Client Partnerships, working with UK universities to deliver strategic, insight-led marketing and recruitment campaigns. With over 11 years’ experience in the sector, she has worked with many different institutions, identifying solutions to their marketing and recruitment challenges and objectives, driving highly successful outcomes. Sharing unique insight and data that is forward looking, is a significant part of her day-to-day work, allowing for future planning for our partners. Amandeep also works closely with the Director of Client Partnerships, UK to lead the Domestic team at IDP Education by formulating and implementing our long-term strategy within the organisation.
JOE MARZANO
Account Director @IDP Eduaction
Joe Marzano is an Account Director at IDP, working with UK universities to strengthen their domestic recruitment strategies through data informed planning, digital engagement, and market insights. Prior to joining IDP, Joe was Head of Partnerships at The Ambassador Platform, leading institutional partnerships across the UK and EMEA while supporting universities in North America and APAC with peer-to-peer engagement and applicant experience. He has a background in education technology and student recruitment, and is focused on helping institutions build effective, student-centred journeys in an increasingly competitive landscape.
ELLIOT NEWSTEAD
Associate Director of Future Students @De Montfort University
Elliot’s role at De Montfort University (DMU) is to lead the Future Students department, created in 2024, which oversees the UK and International Admissions, Schools Liaison, Widening Access and Enquiries functions at the University. Prior this role, Elliot worked at the University of Leicester for 11 years in student recruitment and outreach positions. Elliot, up until recently, also chaired the Education theme within the Universities Partnership, the civic university agreement between DMU, University of Leicester and Loughborough University.
For his sins, he’s also running the London Marathon in April 2026 so if anyone wants a leisurely run around Liverpool during the Conference, reach out!
AARON PORTER
Portfolio of non-executive board, trustee and advisory roles across a range of sectors.
Aaron Porter has a portfolio of Board and advisory roles. He is Chair of BPP University, Deputy Chair of Goldsmiths University and for Advance HE leads a national development programme for members of university boards and councils as well as having undertaken governance effectiveness reviews for over 50 UK universities. Beyond higher education he is a non-executive director of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, on the council of a statutory healthcare regulator and the trustee of a London theatre. Previously he was President of the National Union of Students during the high profile debate over tuition fees, and has served on the Council of the University of Leicester and on the Boards of Endsleigh Insurance, UCAS, the Higher Education Academy and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.
OWEN O’NEILL
CEO, Founder @Uni Compare
Owen is the CEO and Founder of Uni Compare, a student-first platform reshaping how young people choose their future. Today, Uni Compare reaches over 15million sessions a year, has welcomed 600,000+ registered students through their platform, and has apps approaching one million downloads — making it one of the UK’s most influential destinations for prospective student.
DANICA HILL
Sales Director @Uni Compare
Danica is the Sales Director at Uni Compare and lead the commercial function across Sales, Client Success, and Campaigns ensuring outstanding service delivery and measurable results for the University partners. With over 20 years’ experience in the education sector, she brings deep expertise across third-party platforms and media agencies, combining strategic planning with hands-on execution. She is passionate about developing long-term partnerships and delivering data-led solutions that support institutional growth and student recruitment objectives.
VIC LITTLER
Chief Commercial Officer @Vepple
Vic has spent over a decade working in Higher Education marketing, where she’s developed a real passion for how universities connect with prospective students. Over the years, she’s worked closely with hundreds of universities, colleges and Students’ Unions, giving her a first-hand understanding of the pressures, trade-offs and realities marketing teams face.
As Vepple’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vic focuses on shaping products and partnerships that genuinely help student recruitment teams do their best work. Vic is especially interested in the role that experience and emotion play in student decision-making, and enjoys sharing honest, practical insights drawn from her time working alongside the sector.
INTRODUCING OUR 2026 SPONSORS
10 + 11 | MARCH | 2026
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
10 + 11 | MARCH | 2026
The Spine Building, 2 Paddington Village, Liverpool, L7 3FA
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Click here to get to know your hosts, Education Cubed.