Meet the Team

Board

Peter Horrocks

Peter Horrocks

Chair

Peter Horrocks joined Learna as a non-Exec Director and Chair in July 2021 after spending four years at the Open University as Vice Chancellor. Prior to that, Peter held numerous roles at BBC, including Head of Television News and Head of the BBC Newsroom. Most recently, he headed up the BBC World Service, where he was responsible for the overall leadership and management from 2009 to 2014 with a particular focus on digital transformation. During his time in post, he oversaw significant cuts and budget changes, leading negotiations with the UK Government over future funding for the World Service and driving an increase in revenues throughout his time at the helm. Peter has been brought on board as Non-Exec Director at Learna to support the ongoing growth of the business, utilising his expertise in distance learning, higher education, and digital transformation to support Learna’s business strategy and expansion plans.

Prof Steve Davies

Prof Steve Davies

Founding Director

Prof Davies is a Consultant Endocrinologist at the University Hospital Wales. He has an established reputation in medical education particularly in online learning, having been the founder of OnExamination.com and setting up a number of diploma courses. He has also been involved in establishing training courses for weight management in community pharmacy. His clinical interests include hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency and obesity. He has published over 100 peer reviewed publications and his research interests include the application of novel technologies in delivering medical education.

Courtenay Probert

Courtenay Probert

Chief Executive Officer

Courtenay is a company founder, technologist, business analyst, systems architect and project manager with extensive hands-on expertise. After graduating with a first-class honours degree in Business Information Management, Courtenay established a web-application development company, MAWR Ltd, specializing in risk assessment management software. After disposing of his concern in MAWR Ltd, he was appointed as C.T.O. at 'OnExamination'. As the key decision maker for the planning, design and development of OnExamination's technical infrastructure, Courtenay was instrumental in revitalising their failing computer infrastructure. These factors allowed OnExamination to evolve from a small speculative business to a larger one that was then integrated within the BMJ Group when it was acquired in 2007. Quickly promoted within the BMJ Group to the role of CIO/Deputy Managing Director, Courtenay was directly responsible for delivering 60% growth in sales while maintaining a 40% margin. Today Courtenay is the C.O.O. of Diploma MSc. He is responsible for the organisational operations/staffing, sales and marketing, technical infrastructure, and business strategy.

Rachel Ellis

Rachel Ellis

Chief Commercial Officer

Rachel has over 20 years’ experience managing marketing and commercial departments across a variety of industry sectors including business, web development, marketing, publishing, e-learning, and medicine. Rachel is energetic, entrepreneurial, and instinctively commercially focused. As the Chief Commercial Officer of Learna, she has successfully created and worked with an international network of educational institutes and providers to design and develop a number postgraduate level programmes, courses, CPD, and exam preparation material. Currently, Rachel’s focus is to grow a range of postgraduate programmes and resources across a variety of professions. She's always on the lookout for commercial partners, new project ideas, and content authors/editors. Rachel has travelled extensively and grew her previous online education company while travelling and raising a family 'on the road' around Europe, prior to its sale in 2019. Rachel loves change, challenges and adventures. In her spare time, she likes travelling and trying new foods.

Academic Board

Anish Kotecha MRCGP, FAcadMEd, MBBCh, BSc

Anish Kotecha MRCGP, FAcadMEd, MBBCh, BSc

Director of Education

Anish Kotecha works as a GP in South Wales. He has an expanding role in medical education and has been elected to fellowship of the Academy of Medical Educators. He has written many clinical and non-clinical articles for Pulse, GPOnline, MIMS Learning, Health Education and Improvement Wales and has chaired and spoken at several medical events. Some of his other roles include work as a GP appraiser, RCGP PCI Accreditation Clinical Lead, RCGP SE Wales Education Lead, RCGP PCD GP Adviser, InnovAiT AKT editor, RCGP Clinical Events Quality Assessor, Cardiff University Communication Skills Tutor and Examiner for medical students and GPnotebook TV presenter. As the Director of Education at Learna, Anish is responsible for the strategic planning and development of new postgraduate programmes. He contributes to managing relationships with our partnering universities and his role includes supporting the editorial team and those managing projects for both Diploma MSc and StudyPRN. He is also the MRCGP AKT editor for the StudyPRN site taking responsibility for the overall quality of the revision resource. Away from work, he enjoys married life and has two children who he adores.

Programme Management

Helen Davies

Helen Davies

Editor-in-Chief

Helen brings a wealth of experience and leadership in the development and online delivery of medical education and innovation around specific content generation, together with instructional design to constantly improve quality and drive student engagement. Previously Head of Online Learning and Assessment at BMJ, working for over 17 years in online medical education, Helen's strategic mindset and user-centric approach to innovation in new product development is supported by a servant leadership approach and experienced relationship management. Helen has an MBA in Healthcare Management and achieved Chartered Manager status in 2018.

Josh Curtis

Josh Curtis

Senior Editor

Josh joined the Learna team in June 2018 and soon became part of the family with his quick wit and kind nature. Having rapidly proven himself a crucial part of the team, Josh made the leap from Business Development to our Editorial Team. As Senior Editor, Josh reviews and commissions our course material. His keen eye for detail and hard- working attitude saw his new team welcome him with open arms. The office certainly wouldn't be the same without him!

Hollie Janaway

Hollie Janaway

Senior Editor

Having joined the Learna Editorial Team in 2019, Hollie quickly settled in with both her team and her role. From commissioning and editing the course materials to building relationships with authors, no two days are the same and she enjoys every minute of it. In Hollie’s spare time she writes creatively, dreams of starring on the West End and drinks a lot of coffee(although she does the latter during work hours, too).

Tracey Rees

Tracey Rees

Senior Editor

Tracey joined the Programme Management Team at Learna in 2020 to focus on her interest in writing and proofreading, having previously worked for Lloyd's Banking Group for several years, and marketing roles prior to this. Tracey enjoys the challenges and diversity of working in Programme Management and thrives on opportunities to collaborate with authors and healthcare professionals. Outside of work she loves travelling to new places, live music, and curling up on the sofa with her husband, cats, and a spooky movie.

Dr Chellaram Hathiramani

Dr Chellaram Hathiramani

Senior Lecturer

Dr Chellaram Hathiramani originally trained in General Practice, and later worked as a clinical fellow in diabetes at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Wales. She holds an MBA and has significant interests in teaching and learning, with particular emphasis on medical education, diabetes and obesity management. She is originally from Gibraltar and is keen to foster links with the MBA programme that is hosted at its university.

Imogen Tasker

Imogen Tasker

Scientific Prompt Engineer

Imogen joined Learna in 2023 with a passion to make a direct impact on patient outcomes through medical education. Imogen's medical writing and research background enables her to create scientifically sound content for the postgraduate courses while her creative interests suit the instructional design element of the role. Outside of work, she likes to paint seascapes, cook for friends and family and occasionally partake in cycling or yoga.

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson

Global Recruitment Manager

Alex joined the company in 2020 to manage the recruitment for the business. He has extensive experience in recruitment and has been in the industry for over 8 years. Alex's role is to recruit tutors and authors for both current and new courses. In Alex's spare time he plays and watches football, enjoys watching rugby and cricket and socialising with friends.

Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen

Programme Development Assistant

Ashley joined the company in 2022, shortly after completing a BA in Business and Management at the University of South Wales. As our Programme Development Assistant, Ashley works on our programme validations and offers assistance with any other tasks the team are working on. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time in nature and exploring new places.

 Osian Barr-Franco

Osian Barr-Franco

LMS Manager

Osian has been working at Learna since October 2018. Initially working within our Student Support Team, Osian recently made the move to our tech team. He prepares and quality checks our online learning platform, and provides technical assistance to the organisation. He has found a role that challenges him and has allowed him to develop both professionally and personally. Osian enjoys watching and playing football. He is an avid Cardiff City supporter. He also enjoys road cycling and occasionally plays online multiplayer games

Marketing

Kirsty Betteridge

Kirsty Betteridge

Head of Brand and Global Marketing

Kirsty joined Learna in 2020 after spending 10 years working in Marketing in a variety of sectors including time spent at the BMJ and Ty Hafan followed by 5 years in working Higher Education for Cardiff University. Responsible for all aspects of marketing for Learna | Diploma MSc, Kirsty has a passion for strategy, branding and digital innovation along with specialist knowledge of the Higher Education and Healthcare sectors. Results driven, focused and creative, Kirsty is excited to share the benefits of our innovative and world leading postgraduate programmes far and wide. Outside of work Kirsty is a real foodie enjoying both cooking and eating out. She loves interiors and decorating her home as well as spending time with her husband and daughter.

Lisinda Naude

Lisinda Naude

SEO Executive

With a longstanding accounting background, this wasn't enough for Lucy, who was striving for the trifecta in modern digital marketing, SEO. This simple yet powerful abbreviation first came to Lucy in 2016 and has since held her attention with its ever evolving nature. She has dealt in the arts of black, grey and white hat methods of SEO, and whilst she has had fun playing in all 3 arena's, Lucy believes nothing beats the longevity and rewards of white hat SEO. In her spare time, Lucy regularly does canvas paintings in both acrylics and oils.

Toby Gisborne

Toby Gisborne

Senior Digital Marketing Executive

Toby joined the Learna team in October 2023 and comes with a rich background of over 6 years in digital marketing, specifically within the education sector. His skills cover graphic design, brand awareness, and analytics. This unique combination ensures that Learna under his guidance not only has a visually appealing presence but also connects meaningfully with our intended audience. Beyond his professional life, Toby is an avid surfer. Whenever the opportunity arises, he's out there among the waves with his friends in Gower. Furthermore, he's a lifelong supporter of Leicester City, attending games home and away when he is able.

Althea Cooley

Althea Cooley

Digital Marketing Executive

Althea joined the marketing team at Learna early in 2023, having studied English Literature at Cardiff University where she developed a passion for content creation and all things digital. Althea's background includes experience working on marketing campaigns in the legal sector and for large-scale events. Outside of work, Althea enjoys staying active with yoga, pilates and exploring new places outdoors. With a love for travel and food, Althea has recent experience working as a travel Nanny and on ski seasons, and has now returned to Wales to continue her career in Digital Marketing.

Elani Bosman

Elani Bosman

PPC Executive

Elani joined the Learna team in October 2022, with over 3.5 years experience in PPC/Performance Marketing. Elani developed a keen passion for digital strategy and consumer behavior and insights. Her aim is to grow a brand with a unique purpose within the digital space. Outside of work, Elani enjoys photography, surfing and going for walks in nature with her dogs.

Jessica Morley

Jessica Morley

Digital Marketing Executive

Jessica completed a journalism degree at USW in 2019. She found her love of marketing by diving into lots of work experience. While studying, Jess was actively creating social media campaigns, PR and video editing content for food bank charities, The National Trust and for marketplace companies targeting universities, schools and corporations. With a great passion for marketing, being environmentally conscious and having a deep interest in the education sector… Jess is pleased to be able to bring these worlds together at Learna. Jess is a nerd for marketing, and likes to go on Hubspot Academy in her free time to do some of the courses or read marketing blogs for a few hours on the weekend. She is obsessed with her Cockapoo Cleo, and loves finding new places to walk and spoiling her with LOTS of indestructible toys. Having traveled to some parts of Asia, Jess likes to spend her evenings researching where to go next on that side of the world.

Liam Oates

Liam Oates

Digital Marketing Executive

Liam joined the Marketing team in July 2023. Liam has a degree in English Literature from Swansea University and has a background in Copywriting, working in audio and digital copywriting before moving into marketing. Liam worked in content creation and digital analytics for a major insurance company, before making the move to Learna. In his spare time Liam enjoys hiking and helped set up a homeless charity in South Wales, for which, he spends a lot of time volunteering to help provide food, clothes and aid for the homeless community in Cardiff.

Morgan Swinford

Morgan Swinford

Marketing Engagement Executive

Morgan joined the Learna marketing team in August 2023. Having graduated from her Law Degree in Cardiff University, she decided her passions lay in her more creative side, delving into all things social media, content creation and digital analytics. Morgan then spent the next 18 months gaining hands-on experience in these areas. Outside of work, she has a love for travel, having explored many parts of Europe and Asia, and taking her dachshund on long nature walks.

Sales and Admissions

Catherine Scourfield

Catherine Scourfield

Head of Sales & Admissions

Catherine Scourfield joined Learna in September 2021 after spending 15 years at We Fight Any Claim as Chief Operations Officer. Catherine has 20 years of experience in the sales industry where customers were always her central focus. During her time in post, Catherine would constantly look at ways to improve the customers’ journey and was heavily involved in the rollout of all new campaigns, assisting with the training and ensuring employees move in the same strategic direction to achieve its mission, whilst driving revenue, lower operating costs and maintaining a quality service. Catherine thrives in a busy work environment and enjoys meeting new people.

Hannah Howe

Hannah Howe

Senior Admissions Officer

Having explored the world of art and design in Sweden, Hannah’s creative spirit laid the foundation for her future endeavours. After starting a family, she embarked on an incredible academic journey, earning an undergraduate degree in Law from the esteemed University of South Wales. Hannah’s life brims with creativity and adventure. You’ll often find her experimenting in the kitchen, crafting beautiful crochet pieces, and exploring anything that sparks her imagination. A lover of water, she finds solace in both swimming and boxing, embracing the balance between tranquillity and strength. Hannah’s adventurous spirit extends beyond the office, as she cherishes the joy of travel. Among the places she’s wandered, Jordan’s breathtaking Petra holds a special place in her heart.

Sarah Callus

Sarah Callus

Senior Admissions Officer

Sarah joined Learna in June 2022 as a temporary Office Manager, covering maternity leave. Sarah helped out a busy Admissions department in August and has now joined the team on a full time basis. In her spare time, Sarah is a yoga teacher and enjoys walking and spending time with family and friends

Melissa Harding

Melissa Harding

Admissions Officer

Melissa is a valued member of our Admissions team, having joined us in January with a wealth of experience in professional administration. With over 30 years of expertise in her field, Melissa has a deep understanding of the processes involved in admissions. In addition to her dedication to her work, Melissa is also passionate about spending time with her loved ones. She cherishes her time with her daughter and partner and enjoys catching up with friends and family whenever she can. In her role as an Admissions Officer, Melissa is committed to helping students achieve their goals and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that their needs are met. We are proud to have Melissa on our team and look forward to the contributions she will continue to make in the years to come.

Cecile Boutrou

Cecile Boutrou

Admissions Officer

Cecile joined the Learna Admissions team in June 2023. She is committed to working in the Higher Education sector. Her previous experience in various Student Services roles at Cardiff University gave her valuable insights into supporting students and helping them succeed. Before her time at Cardiff University, Cecile worked as a Marketing Assistant in the pharmaceutical industry in Paris, her native city.

Vida Hashemi

Vida Hashemi

Engagement Officer

Vida earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management Marketing from Cardiff University. A year ago, she joined our team as a Telephony Sales Executive. In this role, she reached out to prospective students interested in our online courses and provides guidance to accepted students, assisting them in navigating the necessary steps. Her love for engaging with people and her commitment to personal development have been valuable assets in her current and previous positions.

Operations

Sarah Younger

Sarah Younger

Academic Registrar

Sarah joined Learna in June 2018. Before joining us she worked in administration in the Paediatrics Department for Powys, based at Brecon War Memorial Hospital, where she developed a high regard for the many HCPs involved in comprehensive care. As our Operations Manager, Sarah ensures the smooth running of departments and enjoys looking after her teams. In her spare time Sarah reads and reads and reads, most particularly SF.

Student and Academic Support Services

 Robyn-Tahnee Moss

Robyn-Tahnee Moss

Head of Student and Academic Support Services

Robyn joined Learna in early 2019 as a Student Support Administrator. After thriving in her role, Robyn was recently made the team's manager. She is responsible for managing her team and ensuring that each student is supported throughout their learning journey.

Teaching Services

Hannah Hutton

Hannah Hutton

Teaching Services Officer

Hannah joined Learna in 2021 as a Teaching and Learning Officer. Hannah is currently studying towards an MA in Education at Swansea University after recently graduating with a BA in Business Management. Hannah has a keen interest in the education sector and loves supporting tutors to offer exceptional learning within her role. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys going to concerts, spending time with her 3 dogs and family and consuming every TV series Netflix has to offer!

Antonia Hassoulas

Antonia Hassoulas

Teaching Services Officer

Antonia Hassoulas joined Learna in November 2022 as a Teaching Services Officer. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2010 and achieved an MSc abroad in 2012, Antonia returned to Cardiff in 2014. She has previous experience working in Education Administration and enjoys her role in supporting the tutors of Learna. Outside of work, Antonia enjoys baking, travelling, reading and spending time with her puppy.

Student Services

Courtney Pritchard

Courtney Pritchard

Student Services Coordinator

Courtney joined the Student Services team in February 2023. She graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2015 and has had the privilege of touring both the United Kingdom and Germany with a Jazz band and various musicals. In 2017, Courtney went back into Education and gained her PGCE, subsequently becoming a Primary School Teacher in her hometown of Bedfordshire. In her spare time, Courtney loves to perform with dreams of one day starring on the West End, writing and playing music with her husband and spending time as a family.

Edward Sims

Edward Sims

Teaching Services Coordinator

Edward joined the Teaching and Learning team in 2020 having taken a career break to live in France. He loves to use his extensive prior teaching experience to support our busy tutors in delivering outstanding results. Outside of work, he enjoys anything to do with the Visual Arts and has an unhealthy obsession with studying the labels of wine bottles.

Kayleigh Cromwell

Kayleigh Cromwell

Student Services Senior Officer

Kayleigh joined the Student Services team in May 2021. Before this, she worked as a Paralegal for three years which helped to develop her customer service skills. Kayleigh has completed both her BSc and Masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Swansea University. In her spare time, she enjoys socializing with friends, reading the latest crime fiction books, and trying new recipes.

Lucy-Ellen Batters

Lucy-Ellen Batters

Student Services Officer

Lucy joined Learna as a Student Services Officer in September 2023. With a robust background in customer service and a certificate of higher education in Computer Science, Lucy brings a wealth of experience to her role. Driven by a keen interest in aiding others, her primary objective is to ensure the comfort and happiness of everyone during their studies with us, or our esteemed alumni. In her leisure time, Lucy enjoys immersing herself in a good book and pursues a side hobby of fictional writing.

Ernesta Grigat

Ernesta Grigat

Student Services Officer

Ernesta comes from an Arts background as well as having studied Business Management in Hospitality. The last 5 years she spent in Cardiff exploring the hospitality industry. Her passion for Customer Care has lead her to Student Services at Learna. In her free time Ernesta enjoys exploring art galleries, going on city breaks, spending quality time with friends and reading.

Sarah Mahoney

Sarah Mahoney

Sales and Retention Executive

Sarah is originally from Ireland and moved to Wales in 2022. Sarah studied Psychology in University and has worked in a few different areas such as student wellbeing, applied behavioural analysis (early intervention with children diagnosed with Autism), and even started to dabble in sales. Sarah loves supporting people and ensuring they have all the tools they require to enjoy a happy fun life. She enjoys frolicking by the sea or any water really, bringing to life my home décor dreams, diving into a good book, and booking a spontaneous flight on the weekend. Sarah's outside of work hobbies include yoga, exploring Wales/the outdoors, trying new restaurants and food trucks & watching/going to rugby games!

Jennifer Yau

Jennifer Yau

Student Services Coordinator

Jennifer joined the Student Services Team in January 2024. She graduated with a degree in Law and Criminology from the University of the West of England. Jennifer has worked across various sectors, including the private sector, charity organizations, civil service, and higher education. Before Jennifer joined team she worked closely with students at the university within the careers coaching team and guided students in developing their careers and future. Jennifer takes pleasure in supporting and guiding students to reach their goals in professional progression.

Quality and Compliance

Siobhan Jones

Siobhan Jones

Head of Quality and Compliance

Siobhan joined Learna origionally as an academic quality officer after working in the FE/HE sector for over 9 years (as a business development officer for Cardiff and Vale College and more recently as an international admissions officer at the University of South Wales). She has since progressed to become Head of Quality and Copliance. Siobhan is responsible for monitoring the quality standards of programmes at Learna, working with external examiners and organising award boards with partner universities. In her spare time, Siobhan enjoys going to see live music, swimming, spinning and trying to keep up with her young daughter.

Anna Evans

Anna Evans

Quality Assurance Assistant

Anna joined Learna in January 2021 and thrives in her role. Outside of work she enjoys keeping active and going to the gym - although at the moment her little girl is the one keeping her fit! Anna also thoroughly enjoys musicals.

Libby Allerton

Libby Allerton

Quality Assurance Assistant

Libby is a 2nd year student at University of South Wales currently studying Popular and Commercial Music. She plays drums and hopes to be a rockstar one day. Her other loves include cats, gaming and music.

Student Registry

Catherine Wildblood

Catherine Wildblood

Student Registry Manager

Catherine has worked for Learna since 2014 and has recently moved from her role as Student Support Manager to Quality Assurance Manager. Catherine responsibilities include orchestrating student results and Award Boards at the University of South Wales, Student Remediation and Continuous Monitoring/ Annual Reporting for our collaborative partners. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys music, reading, and socialising with her friends and family.

Programmes Review

Catherine Southgate

Catherine Southgate

Programmes Review Manager

Catherine began working at Learna in January 2015 and heads up the Editorial Team - working with authors to provide course and resource content for both the Learna and StudyPRN platforms. Catherine really enjoys working in a busy friendly team and relishes the challenge of helping to bring our courses to life and feels it's a fulfilling role to be part of a company that aims to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals worldwide. Like most of the team, her highlight to date has been winning 'Best Online Distance Learning Programme' at the e-learning awards. Catherine's day to day work is very varied and she loves the opportunity of working alongside authors from a range of medical specialties and backgrounds. In her spare time Catherine loves to go running and to spend time with her family and friends.

StudyPRN

Katie Lowe

Katie Lowe

Commercial Manager (Non-HE)

Katie first joined the Learna team in 2013 and for 5 years worked within the Diploma MSc team. After a 2 year career change, where she worked for a large commercial media owner, she returned. With her experience in business development, sales and project management, Katie’s focus is to develop and grow Learna's non-higher education function of the business, including StudyPRN. Outside of work, she loves keeping active whether that’s the gym, cycling, walking etc. She loves to socialise with friends and family, especially when food is involved. She is also a proud mum of Harry.

Helen Brown

Helen Brown

StudyPRN Platform Manager

Helen has 12+ years of experience working within the e-learning industry and had first joined the Learna team in 2017, working in the editorial department. Helen returned to the Learna team in July 2020 as a commissioning editor, and has since been promoted to the position of StudyPRN platform manager. Helen is responsible for the general day-to-day running and maintenance of the content on the StudyPRN website as well as the commissioning of new material for its various products. Outside of work, Helen is a road and trail running fanatic, a keen cook and a mum to a very busy 6 year old. Helen also loves to travel and experience different cultures.

Shannon Meyler

Shannon Meyler

Senior Digital Marketing Executive

Shannon discovered her passion for marketing while studying Philosophy and Religious Studies at Cardiff University. Around lectures, Shannon dedicated her free time to refining her skills in various areas, including email marketing, social media marketing, branding and content creation. Post-university, Shannon started her marketing career, joining Learna | Diploma MSc in 2020 as Marketing Assistant. Shannon progressed to the role of Junior Marketing Executive before becoming Marketing Engagement Executive. More recently, Shannon joined the Learna | StudyPRN team as Senior Digital Marketing Executive and is responsible for all aspects of our content marketing. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys interior design, spending time with family & friends and exploring new places.

Traun Hufkie

Traun Hufkie

SEO and PPC Executive

Traun found love in the marketing industry after spending a year on a cruise ship that sailed around the Caribbean. When he decided to move back home to South Africa he landed a marketing job with a travel agency and he eventually decided to take a degree in Marketing Management. While working in Cape Town, he got a job offer at a Digital Marketing Agency, so he decided to move back to his home city, Port Elizabeth, to pursue his career. Traun enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching rugby, working out, travelling, upskilling his skills, and watching Marvel movies.

Finance

Rhys Draby

Rhys Draby

Head of Finance

Rhys joined Learna as Head of Finance in February 2021. After graduating from Cardiff University in 2009 he trained as an accountant with a large practice in the city before going on to work for a national company as a group project accountant where he gained significant experience working alongside senior management in the delivery of corporate strategy. Realising his passion was in the SME environment, where he could really make an impact, he spent time as an FC, then FD of a growing B2B services business, as well as acting as a consultant to a small number of SMEs. At Learna, Rhys is responsible for overseeing the finance team and working alongside the board to ensure that they have the range of financial information they require to assist with strategy decisions.

Emra Durgun

Emra Durgun

Assistant Management Accountant

Emra has recently joined Learna as a Finance Officer, and now supports our students with any financial queries they may have. Initially studying marketing at university, she has been working within finance for over 13 years, and is currently studying to become a qualified accountant. Born in Turkey, Emra has been living in the UK for almost 20 years, where she is kept busy by her young twin boys!

Gayatri Desai

Gayatri Desai

Finance Officer

Gayatri has worked in Finance for over 15 years. She lived in Manchester for nearly 10 years before moving back to Cardiff in May 2019. Her previous role was working with International Baccalaureate, an education provider for children aged 3 to 19 years. In her spare time, Gayatri loves baking, spending time outdoors with her two children and hosting dinner parties.

Technology

David Rankin

David Rankin

Technology Manager

David joined Learna in December 2022, returning to the education sector with over 20 years of experience in the industry. His wide experience in the Health, Education, and Finance sectors as well as working with several start-ups to leverage technology to enhance and extend Learna's technological capabilities. David is involved in community rugby and in his spare time and he loves heading off down the Gower for surfing sessions in the sunshine (or rain).

Josh Ellis

Josh Ellis

Head of IT

Josh joined Learna in November 2017 as a university work experience placement. He quickly earned himself the role of IT Technician before moving into the role of Junior Software Developer where he started the development of new bespoke systems for the company. He is now our Head of IT and core member of our IT department.

Alun Davies

Alun Davies

Senior Developer

Alun is an experienced back-end developer, having graduated from Imperial College London in 2003 with a Masters degree in Computing. He has worked in a variety of industries including publishing, retail and online gaming. He joined the Learna team in early 2021. In his spare time Alun enjoys writing, watching pretty much any sport, and taking part in triathlons.

Interested in joining the team? have a look at our careers page