Meet our staff

Bhagyashree Vijayakumar MSc, GMBPsS

Global Talent Consultant

I have extensive experience in international student recruitment, business development, and educational consultancy. I work to foster partnerships with industry.

My background is in Occupational Psychology. This helps me use data to support employer engagement. It also helps me to match academic insights with workforce needs.

Through student consultancy projects and virtual engagement, I connect learning with real-world work. Helping ensure graduates become ready for their careers in multicultural environments. I am a trusted advisor to employers. I help them to harness the skills and perspectives international students bring. This helps drive innovation and growth in London and beyond.

Dr Chinedu Eke PhD MSc MBA BSc AFHEA

Lecturer in Business Management

I have more than ten years of experience in the financial services sector and academic roles across UK higher education.

I currently teach Strategic Management, Context of International Business, and Managing Sustainable Challenges at the University of Huddersfield – London. My teaching is research-informed and practice-focused, supporting and mentoring students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and professional confidence.

Previously served as a Lecturer and Research Assistant at Canterbury Christ Church University, delivering teaching in economics, business analysis and research methods at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I completed my PhD in Business and Management in 2024, alongside an MSc in Investment and Risk Finance and an MBA.

I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) and am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that prepare students for successful global careers.

Dr Claudette Kika PhD, BSc, AFHEA

Lecturer in Business Management

I have a doctorate from the Business and Management Research Institute at the University of Bedfordshire. My thesis is titled “Supporting Student Experience Management with Learning Analytics in the UK Higher Education Sector.”

I also have a BSc in Pharmaceutical Management from the University of Bradford.

I hold an Higher Education Academy (HEA) Associate Fellowship. I am passionate about providing an excellent student experience. I won Staff Member of the Year while working at the University of Bedfordshire.

At the University of Huddersfield – London, I lead the Strategic Marketing Management and Reward Management module. I also teach Fundamentals in Management and work as an academic misconduct officer.

I delivered a seminar at the East London Business Summit at Excel London. The seminar, called “Effective Segmentation and Targeting for Success", promoted our students' group consultancy projects.

Janka Planky

Global Careers Consultant

I collaborate with staff at the University of Huddersfield – London to build career skills into the student journey. I coach students one-to-one and in groups. I also deliver regular continuing professional development sessions for postgraduate students in International Business, Management, and Computer Science.

My background spans investor relations at BlackRock, hotel feasibility and consultancy at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ EMEA regional office and Horwath HTL, and sales & marketing in New Zealand's wine industry. I hold a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching, and I am currently pursuing a Master's in Positive Psychology, Organisations and Leadership.

I have worked in several industries. These include investor relations at BlackRock, hotel consultancy at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Horwath HTL, and sales and marketing in New Zealand’s wine industry. I have a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching, and I am currently studying for a Master’s degree in Positive Psychology, Organisations, and Leadership.

I'm excited to be part of the community and look forward to working together to make a difference in the students' lives.

Matthew Jayes

Director of Industry and Engagement

I have ten years of experience working with businesses while working at Coventry University and Birkbeck Business School. I have delivered programmes in employability, entrepreneurship, and internationalisation.

I also worked as an Industrial Strategy Fellow in the UK Government’s Business Department. I led stakeholder engagement and policy development for the labour market directorate. I later led strategic networks at the Chartered Management Institute.

Most recently, I worked in the private sector. I led a global leadership programme at the sustainable development consultancy Arup.

I am excited to connect students with London’s vibrant business and technology community. This includes professional networking, real-world experience, guest speakers, and careers support.

Millicent A. O. Glover, MA, BA (Hons)

Compliance, Operations and Data Coordinator

My background is in education qualifications, assessments, placements and global banking and insurance.

I have worked with an international qualifying and membership body. I have coordinated professional placements for undergraduate and graduate Social Work students. I have also reported on NHS Educational study grants in higher education, retail, banking and insurance sectors.

Dr Mohd Zairul Mazwan Bin Jilani

Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

I started teaching in 2014 at Brunel University London and Aberystwyth University Mauritius Branch Campus. Before academia, I worked for nine years in financial institutions in Malaysia.

In banking, I worked as an IT auditor at the second largest bank in Southeast Asia. I worked on a migration project covering Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia. My main interests are Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Evolutionary Algorithms. I use these to solve health informatics problems.

I hold a PhD, focused on analysing glaucoma data. My current research looks at computer algorithms that explain machine learning results. I apply these to solve complex health informatics problems. I am also passionate about natural language processing and have worked with a client to analyse texts and sentiments.

Rachel Sarpong

Senior Wellbeing and Engagement Coordinator

I have eight years of experience working in education. I am a CELTA-qualified English teacher. I have strong communication, leadership, and intercultural skills. I have a bachelor’s degree in English, with a focus on language teaching.

I have taught students from  5 to 60 years old. My lessons are inclusive, interesting and suitable for different learning needs.

I worked as Head of English at a private primary school in the UAE. In this role, I helped develop the curriculum and supported teachers. I also worked as an academic and welfare advisor for international students. I helped students with visas and study progression.

I am passionate about wellbeing – I aim to support learners and help them feel confident and successful.

Dr Sarath G Nair PhD MBA B.Eng. PMP

Lecturer in Business Management

I am an academic and project management professional with over 20 years of global experience. I have worked in the UK, India, Kuwait, UAE, and Oman. I have delivered engineering, procurement, and construction projects worth up to £20 million.

At the University of Huddersfield – London, I teach Business Management and Project Management. I hold a PhD in Business Studies, an MBA, and a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

I specialise in AI adoption, digital transformation, and workforce upskilling. I have over 20 years of experience in higher education and international projects.

I am a certified PMP and CMI Level 7 professional. My expertise includes Construction 4.0, HR strategy, and technology-enhanced learning. My research focuses on AI and sustainable employability.