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 current role in June 2023 and I’m thoroughly enjoying it! I wear two hats. Firstly, I support our fabulous faculty by forging connections with external organisations for research and educational purposes. Secondly, I collaborate closely with stakeholders beyond our University, delving into their challenges, offering tailored advice, and identifying where we can create value.

Previously, I was a business development manager for Executive Education courses at Warwick Business School, guiding senior professionals on their leadership development journeys.

With experience spanning Canada, Greece, and the UK, I’ve learned it comes down to cultivating meaningful relationships. I love sharing news about what's happening at Warwick so please connect with me 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've been at the University in various roles since 2013 focussing on project and event production. Before that I worked in disparate educational fields; starting out with Computer Science in the late nineties in Brighton, specialising later in human computer interaction (UX) and then moving to London to work in the media as a trained television director for a few years.

I moved to Solihull in the West Midlands just after the millennium to teach Theatre Studies in secondary education before returning to higher education to research creativity, media literacy and remix culture.

Alongside my developmental work and general project management duties I specialise in AI and FinTech. In my spare time I design, build and shoot with multi-camera video rigs, fuss over Michael the cat and play cricket for Solihull Municipal.

Mihir Rathi - Graduate Management Trainee

I am currently part of the 2024 Graduate Management Scheme and have been placed with the Business Partnerships team. In this role, I contribute to key initiatives in business engagement and research collaboration, working with a range of organisations from SMEs to major strategic partners of the University.

My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in architecture and a postgraduate degree in programme and project management from WMG at the University of Warwick, both of which I completed whilst balancing part-time work. Prior to joining Warwick, I gained valuable experience in the built environment and architecture sectors through internships with leading companies such as Tata.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through hiking, adventure sports, and regular gym sessions. I am also focused on expanding my professional network on platforms like LinkedIn and connecting with business and industry leaders to help drive innovation.