Steve Adams

Director Examinations South East Asia Region at British Council

Singapore

About

I lead a multimillion pound regional education business in 16 countries and territories across East Asia including China, with a team of 700 employees post-pandemic. I have driven growth, innovation and diversification thoughout the pandemic, leading the businesses back to success in complex and highly competitive markets. I am strong in leadership, strategy, finance, innovation and customer experience. I have had 34 years in the field of English language and assessment, 30 of those in management positions. I have lived in the UK, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, Singapore, Spain. Saudi Arabia, Japan, Kenya, UAE, China and now again back in Singapore! I have an MBA, an MA in Teaching English and a BSc in Genetics.

Experience

  • British Council (18 yrs 11 mos)
    • Regional Examinations Director South East Asia
      Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    • Regional Exams Director East Asia
      Jul 2017 - Oct 2022 · 5 yrs 4 mos

      Leading the British Council's Exams business in East Asia/China and our team of 700 people delivering in 16 counties and territories. Driving change and innovation to deliver a successful post-pandemic recovery.

    • Director Examinations South Asia Region
      Sep 2013 - Jul 2017 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Strategic business lead for our cultural relations and income-generating examinations activity in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran). Also leads on customer services for the region for all British Council products and services

  • Director East Saudi Arabia at British Council
    2004 - 2007 · 3 yrs

    Cultural relations for the UK in Saudi Arabia, and strategic leadership of examinations operations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.