About Us
Oliver Walmsley - Director of Business Partnerships
I've been with the University of Warwick for over seventeen years, currently serving as the Director of Business Partnerships. In my role, I lead the development of the Business Partnerships Strategy, working to raise Warwick’s profile among businesses and helping to manage key relationships with major partners like National Grid, BOSCH, BT, Schneider Electric and Infineum. I’m also responsible for overseeing the account management system that helps us maintain these strategic partnerships.
Before this, I held several leadership positions across the university, including Director of Operations and Director of Executive Education at Warwick Business School. I was also heavily involved in setting up WBS London (Shard), expanding Warwick’s presence in the capital. My background includes an MBA in Higher Education Management and professional development across a range of managerial areas. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and keeping fit. I'm always looking for ways to stay connected with colleagues and partners across the business and education sectors.
Catherine Louch - Associate Director
I joined the Business Partnerships team at Warwick in 2023. In my role, I support academics within the Faculty of Arts and Warwick Manufacturing Group by linking them with external stakeholders for research and education opportunities. I have extensive experience in the Higher Education sector, building strategic partnerships and helping academics create impact through external engagement activities. Before this, I worked for a benevolent association, developing a business development offering for the charity.
Outside of work, I’m a parent governor at my 9-year-old daughter’s school and a board member of the Leicester Print Workshop, where I bring my experience in strategy and partnership development, alongside my passion for arts and culture. Outside of work I enjoy yoga, cycling, and spending time with friends and family.
James Dayus - Associate Director
As an Associate Director in the Business Partnerships team at the University of Warwick, my role is to create and support strategic partnerships between academia and industry with the intention of generating real world impact.
I’ve been with Warwick since June 2023. During this time, my main focus has been to support academics within the STEM disciplines, including Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and Maths/Stats.
My career to date has primarily been in the higher education sector, focused on commercialising research, finding innovative solutions, and fostering collaboration for stakeholders in academia, industry, and cross-sector organisations. Outside of work I enjoy weightlifting, generally keeping active and traveling.
Penny Triantafillou - Associate Director
I began my role in June 2023, connecting academics with external stakeholders to collaborate across research, education and enterprise. This includes developing partnerships that support knowledge exchange, commercial opportunities and wider societal impact. In addition, I serve on the advisory boards for Warwick's Health and Business, and the Manufacturing & Innovation Interdisciplinary Research Spotlights.
Beyond my day-to-day work, I am committed to amplifying women’s voices in leadership. I host the Women Leaders: Tales, Trails and Truths podcast and founded the Healthcare and Innovation Women’s Leadership Network. I regularly speak on women’s leadership and inclusive innovation.
With international experience across Canada, Greece and the UK, I believe business is not only about strategy and performance, but about people working together to create meaningful impact through relationships built on trust, empathy and shared purpose.
If you are interested in partnerships, collaboration or learning more about what is happening at Warwick, I would welcome connecting on LinkedIn.
Rachael Kirwan - Project Manager
My journey at Warwick began as a Philosophy undergraduate over 26 years ago, and I'm a proud alumna of this vibrant institution. Over the years, I've had the privilege of gaining a diverse range of experiences, which have equipped me to work collaboratively with a multifaceted perspective. I find great joy in connecting with people and leveraging my experience to facilitate meaningful collaborations and build fruitful networks. I thrive on ‘joining the dots’ and exploring the potential of each new journey.
If I had to choose a favourite moment at Warwick, it would be right now! Although my husband might argue that it was when I met him here at Warwick! Every day brings new opportunities and challenges, and I thoroughly enjoy the variety and diversity that each meeting or task brings. Each day is a chance to embark on something new and exciting, making my work here truly fulfilling.
Anthony Avery - Project Manager
I have worked at the University in a range of roles since 2013, leading project management and event production initiatives focused on external collaboration and partnership development. I am also a Senior Fellow at the Warwick Institute of Engagement, where I lead on Skills of Engagement, shaping approaches to partnership building and public facing practice.
My career began in Computer Science at the University of Brighton specialising in human computer interaction and user experience research. I then spent several years in London working in broadcast media as a trained television gallery director, developing expertise in live production, editorial decision making and shaping content for diverse audiences.
After relocating to the West Midlands, I taught A-level Theatre Studies at Solihull School before returning to higher education to research creativity, media literacy and remix culture.
Alongside my developmental and project management work, I advise on strategic LinkedIn engagement and professional digital networking. Outside work I design and build studios and multi-camera video rigs, produce a range of video content, fuss over Michael the cat and play cricket.