Nicole Louis

Chief Operating Officer

Nicole Louis joined Birmingham City University in July 2024 as Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO is a key member of the University Executive Team (UET), supporting the Vice-Chancellor and working collaboratively with other UET colleagues in the leadership and management of the whole University, with a particular focus on strategy, resources, performance, and transformation. Nicole is also the executive lead for a range of connected services including Estates, Facilities, IT, Planning, Student Services, Academic Administration, Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions, Communications and Domestic Partnerships. 

Nicole has a wealth of experience in operational leadership gained across a wide range of businesses with early career sectors including telecoms, consumer services and fine art, working for leading brands including Orange, John Lewis, Camelot (the National Lottery) and Sotheby’s.  Prior to joining BCU, Nicole held both executive and non-executive posts within the UK and international education sectors including Chief Operating Officer at London South Bank University, Chief Marketing Officer at Cognita Schools, Non-Executive Director for ACS Schools and Chief Executive Officer for South Bank Academies Trust.  

Nicole is a member of AHUA (the Association of Heads of University Administration) and a member of the sector advocacy group S.W.O.C (Senior Women of Colour) which champions the advancement of women of colour to achieve their potential within the sector.