On the move: the latest East Midlands hires
Archway Learning Trust has appointed James Higham as its next chief executive officer.
The Trust is Nottingham’s biggest multi-academy trust (MAT) with 10 academies across Nottingham, Derby and Derbyshire and educates one third of Nottingham’s children.
Higham will take the helm from September 2025, following the retirement of Sian Hampton, who has led the trust for over two decades.
Higham joins from his role as CEO of multi-academy trust, Transforming Lives Education Trust, in Rugby, Warwickshire, and brings more than 20 years of experience in school and trust leadership.
He said: “It’s a genuine honour to be appointed CEO of Archway Learning Trust. From my first conversations, I was deeply struck by the strength of the Trust’s ethos and its unwavering commitment to transforming the life chances of every child. That mission, rooted in values I share, resonates strongly with my own belief that every young person deserves to feel they belong and to be equipped for the world of possibilities ahead.”
He continued: “Just as important is the commitment to our staff, the people who make the difference every day in our schools. I believe that when colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired, they thrive and so do the communities they serve.”
Hampton said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to lead Archway Learning Trust. I am delighted to be handing over to someone who shares our deep values and commitment to transforming lives through education. I wish James every success and know the Trust will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
Katharine Poulter
Dunelm, the Enderby homewares retailer, has hired Katharine Poulter as non-executive director.
She will be a member of the Audit and Risk, Remuneration and Nomination committees.
Poulter is currently the chief commercial officer at McCarthy Stone, the developer and manager of retirement communities, where she is responsible for driving the company’s commercial strategy. Prior to this, she was the chief commercial officer at Indigo Books & Music , Canada’s largest book retailer. Poulter started her career in retail at Marks and Spencer Group and has held senior roles at Laura Ashley, Hobbycraft, Wilko and Dobbies Garden Centre, amongst others.
Alison Brittain, chair of Dunelm, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Katharine to Dunelm. I have no doubt that her wide-ranging retail experience will add value as we continue to build on our unique and specialist proposition. Her appointment reflects our ongoing focus on ensuring effective board composition with complementary skills, and I look forward to working with her.”
