Stephen Carleton

International Student Recruitment Leader | MBA | Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing | Passionate about connecting students with life-changing opportunities

Greater Ipswich Area

About

International student recruitment and marketing professional with over 25 years’ experience in the international education industry, with 20 specialising in international student recruitment and marketing. Goal orientated with an influential approach to key account management and B2B relations which foster mutually beneficial partnerships. Commercially aware; experienced in achieving aggressive market growth, and the development of highly effective sales teams. Able to lead the customer conversation, and inspire others to do the same. The necessary channel management expertise for evolving markets, accompanied by an analytical attention to detail which ensures every opportunity is explored. Recognises students' needs are paramount and places these at the forefront of all efforts.

Experience

  • Vice President of Student Recruitment at Global University Systems
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Leading international student recruitment for Global University Systems (GUS) on behalf of Gisma University of Applied Science.

  • Global Director, International Student Recruitment at IU Group
    Sep 2024 - Jan 2025 · 5 mos

    Leading international student recruitment for IU Group

  • Global University Systems (Full-time · 5 yrs 8 mos)
    • Vice President, Student Recruitment
      Feb 2024 - Aug 2024 · 7 mos

      Continuing my work with GUS Canada Colleges and taking responsibility for launching University of Niagara Falls, Canada (UNF) globally. Achievements include: • Launched UNF to the global agent network via an extensive series of face-to-face workshops, and webinars • Successfully recruited over 1,000 students on to the UNF campus in the first year of operation • Guided the GCCs through IRCC visa policy changes, and met target for the last major intake in Spring 2024

    • Director of Student Recruitment
      Sep 2023 - Feb 2024 · 6 mos

      Leading a team of 26 business developers and 15 sales support staff, I managed global student recruitment for GUS Canada Colleges, including Fleming College - Toronto, Niagara College - Toronto, Canadian College of Technology and Business, Toronto School of Management, and Trebas Institute. Utilising my extensive experience and connections within international B2B student recruitment, I successfully spearheaded an ambitious diversification agenda.

    • Director of Student Recruitment
      Jan 2019 - Sep 2023 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Led a high-achieving team of 30 in global recruitment for Global University Systems (GUS) on behalf of The University of Law. Responsible for devising and implementing B2B strategy and engagement, lead generation, pipeline management, and conversion strategy, as well as global B2B and B2B2C marketing campaigns. Took on additional responsibility for managing global recruitment for GISMA from January - September 2023. Achievements include: • Achieved a 72.8% combined annual growth rate (CAGR) • 3 consecutive years of +100% YoY growth: 2020 - 2022 (145% YoY growth, 2022)

  • Director of Student Recruitment at University Bridge
    Dec 2014 - Dec 2018 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Responsible for all aspects of global sales, including recruitment, operations, strategy, and marketing, focusing on building a formal sales and admission structure, developing a sustainable recruitment network, and repositioning the brand to ensure aggressive growth. Achievements include: • Achieved 78% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) • Built a global sales team, structure, agent network, and Guangzhou Hub • Oversaw a rebrand, including corporate look and key messages.

  • Cambridge Education Group (4 yrs 1 mo)
    • Regional Manager, South Asia and UK
      Jan 2013 - Dec 2014 · 2 yrs

      Responsible for devising and implementing the regional sales and marketing strategy, managing and developing teams, and overseeing regional sales operations and budgets. Duties included delivering annual sales targets for South Asia and FoundationCampus in the UK, identifying and optimising recruitment channels, formulating agent performance strategies, negotiating and managing commercial terms, owning key accounts, coordinating and training non-sales functions, integrating product specialists into the regional network, and leading the regional marketing strategy. Achievements include: • 89% growth in South Asia agent channel in 2014 • 85% growth in UK agent channel in 2013 • 50% CAGR

    • Market Development Manager, South Asia
      Dec 2010 - Dec 2012 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Launched Cambridge Education Group in South Asia. Responsibilities include establishing, training, and managing the agent network; devising sales and marketing strategies, initiating new sales channels, competitor analysis; and advising on new product development. Responsible for all aspects of operations in South Asia, including regional strategy; agent acquisition, accreditation and management; negotiation of commercial terms; target setting; and budget management. Also account manager for key agents in the UK and MENA regions. Achievements include: • Increased student enrolments from South Asia by 165% between 2010 – 2012 • Awarded Sales Person of the year for FoundationCampus in 2012 • Key Account Manager for the largest FoundationCampus agent, achieving 26% growth in 2012