Our team
We come to work because we love what we do. Our lack of bureaucracy gives us an agility and flexibility that makes it easy to transform concepts into realities. We have the freedom, autonomy and resources to initiate, manage and grow new products and services
Chris joined Hobsons from Fleet Street in 1986, working in media and publishing sales – something he’s always been good at (the only thing, some would say). He chose to join Hobsons because education was in a state of flux, and working in a dynamic market was something that really appealed.
Chris rose through the ranks to become Managing Director of Hobsons UK in 1995. He has since overseen the acquisition of companies in Europe, Australia and the US, and, in his current role as Group Managing Director, oversees six Hobsons businesses. Chris is also Chairman of the National Recognition Information Centre, the official source of information and advice on international education, training, skills and qualifications.
Chris likes to see Hobsons using product development, creativity and reinvention to respond to changes in its markets, and he particularly enjoys challenges like the recent UK Service Centre launch. His vision is for Hobsons to become an irreplaceable part of the recruitment process for all of its clients around the world.
Three years after joining Hobsons as European Financial Controller, Adam was promoted to Group Finance Director. He is responsible for accounting and financial reporting across Hobsons globally, and uses his understanding of the business to advise and support Hobsons’ Managing Directors around the world as well as providing support for Chris Letcher, Group Managing Director.
Adam’s role involves regular visits to Hobsons’ regional headquarters. He enjoys the complexity of having different business models in each country and really appreciates that whoever he deals with from Hobsons around the world, they are always friendly, engaged, motivated and humorous. Adam says he particularly appreciates the value that Hobsons places on open communication and relationship building.
Prior to university, Adam worked as a teacher in Zimbabwe – an experience he describes as ‘amazing’.
Since joining Hobsons’ editorial department in 1990, Natalie has been involved in all aspects of the business, from third-party and education publishing, to launching Hobsons’ managed recruitment services. With a wealth of project management expertise, in-depth involvement in the company’s sales and delivery functions, plus extensive publishing experience, Natalie has been Hobsons UK’s Managing Director since 2005.
Natalie loves the personality of Hobsons, which she feels is characterised both by its youthful outlook and its lack of bureaucracy. Natalie feels that Hobsons has a real clarity of vision, which she thinks is fundamental to the company’s success.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys water-skiing, although not as often as she would like!
Emma obtained a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Leicester, but a series of lab explosions put her off pursuing a career in the science. She enjoyed editing her friends’ theses, though, and decided on a career in publishing. After gaining experience in a number of editing roles, Emma joined Hobsons UK as a Senior Editor in 1999.
Several promotions later, Emma is now Director of Creative Services and is responsible for the delivery of the company’s editorial, advertising, operations, student marketing and graduate recruitment services. She sees the focus of her role as fulfilling clients’ needs and really engaging with students in the UK and worldwide.
Emma enjoys the Hobsons culture, which is all about its people – their energy, drive and enthusiasm for what they do. She also enjoys working in the dynamic student marketplace, with factors like increased student mobility and the impact of new technologies are making this a particularly exciting time.
Outside of work, Emma likes to travel and, despite recent trips to India, Australia, Canada and Italy, is still keen to add to her collection of passport stamps.
Paul joined Hobsons as a sales executive in 1997. Since then, he has built up a wealth of publishing experience, taking on responsibility for the corporate recruitment portfolio, before initiating, managing and developing Hobsons’ managed recruitment services business. Paul now runs Hobsons' marketing, attraction and selection business, comprising the Study UK, MBA and GET portfolios.
Paul loves the diversity of his role, and gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing his team help their clients find ways to recruit the best talent for their business.
In his spare time, Paul can be found on the golf course, or watching his beloved Arsenal at the new Emirates Stadium.