Adam Race

Chief People Officer

Adam Race joined Birmingham City University (BCU) in June 2024 as its first Chief People Officer (CPO). The CPO has strategic responsibility for developing the institution’s culture, employee engagement, and performance. Adam has a pivotal role in defining and nurturing our staff culture, developing our reward and recognition offer, and promoting performance.

Adam brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources and organisational development. Before joining BCU, Adam was Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. Adam has held numerous other senior roles including Deputy Director of Workforce at University Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, where he led work to merge two NHS Trusts, forming an organisation of more than 13,000 staff. 

Adam studied Mathematics at the University of Warwick, and completed an MA in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at Warwick Business School. He also achieved an MSc in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Birmingham.

Adam is a Fellow of the Institute of Health and Social Care Management and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).