Regent Group looks to the future with key leadership appointments

Regent Group, an award-winning organisation specialising in education, economic development and impactful investments, is delighted to announce several significant leadership and board changes at its academic institutions – Regent College London (RCL) and Regent European University (REU).

These appointments are part of a wider strategic transformation within Regent Group and will play a crucial role in reinforcing its position as a leading force in education.

Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE, after many years as Chairman of Regent College London, is moving into a new role as Chairman of Regent European University (REU). Steve Phillips, currently Chief International Officer at RCL, has been promoted to Chairman of Regent College London (RCL).

In addition, Regent Group Co-Founder Tharshiny Pankaj will become Group CEO, including responsibility of the management of Regent College London, signaling a key leadership shift that will advance the organisation’s broader evolution. Tharshiny will be succeeded as RCL’s Academic Registrar by Aamena Hanif, who currently serves as Chief Partnerships Officer for the college. The Group has also made key appointments to its boards that will support its long-term strategic objectives.

Carol-Ann Maxworth, who currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer at RCL, will join Regent Group as Group Chief Commercial Officer and Non-Executive Director; Lord James Wharton will join Regent Group’s Advisory Board as Senior Advisor to the CEO/Principal; and Professor Greg Walker will be seconded from University of Bolton (UoB), one of RCL’s academic partners, to focus on UoB provisions.

Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE

Dr Maurizio Bragagni is an established entrepreneur, public servant, consultant, author and educator based in the UK. A Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, he brings over two decades of experience in the manufacturing industry.

Maurizio is Chairman and CEO of Tratos, one of the world’s largest independent cable manufacturers, with a turnover exceeding €350 million. He also chairs Esharelife, a social enterprise supporting educational projects in developing nations. In addition, he sits on numerous boards and committees promoting trade, education and culture globally. Maurizio has served as Chairman of RCL since 2020.

Widely recognised for his innovative leadership and ability to implement advanced management techniques, Maurizio’s strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding Regent European University towards becoming a leading name in global education. 

Steve Phillips

Steve Phillips is a highly respected figure in international education, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and TEFLQ (Cambridge Delta) qualified. With over 30 years of experience across the private higher education and not-for-profit sectors, he brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

Steve served as Chair of the English UK Board for a decade, overseeing the British Council’s accreditation scheme. Before joining RCL in 2022, he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of International at Mander Portman Woodward (MPW), Managing Director at British Study Centres, and Director at Regent’s University London. Steve also taught and studied at Moscow State Linguistic University in the 1990s.

As Chairman of RCL, Steve will draw on his vast experience and solutions-driven approach to continue delivering an exceptional student experience. His leadership will be key to RCL’s transformation into the UK’s first truly technology-enabled university with a global presence, targeting the period 2025 to 2030.

Tharshiny Pankaj

Tharshiny Pankaj co-founded Regent Group in 2000 with her husband and business partner Selva and Selva’s late father. The business originally began as a modest private tuition service, followed by a further education college. Today, it is a global education, economy building and impactful investment business.

Tharshiny’s contributions to her field over the last 20 years have garnered significant recognition, including appearances on the Asian Power Couple Hot 100 list in 2019, a runner-up spot at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in 2020, the GG2 ED&I Award for Excellence in Education in 2023 and the GG2 CEO of the Year Award in 2024.

As Group CEO, Tharshiny will bring together her pioneering leadership with Maurizio’s global ambitions for REU to reinforce the organisation’s growth and innovation, and prepare for future challenges and opportunities in education and beyond.

Selva Pankaj, CEO and Principal of RCL, commented:

“These leadership appointments mark significant milestones in Regent Group’s journey. Both Maurizio Bragagni and Steve Phillips have demonstrated excellence throughout their respective careers, and I am certain they will continue to thrive under Tharshiny’s visionary leadership. I am excited to collaborate with all parties to further enhance RCL’s reputation and establish REU as a premier educational institution.”

The Rt. Hon. Sir Gavin Williamson MP, former Secretary of State for Education and Chair of Regent Group’s Advisory Panel, commented:

“For many years, I have had the privilege of being part of Regent Group’s journey and witnessing its inspiring growth as a global education, economy building and impactful investment business. I have great admiration for each of these appointees and I look forward to working with them to further enhance the Group’s standing as an esteemed leader in education.”

Dr Maurizio Bragagni commented:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman at Regent European University. Our leadership team has a bold vision for REU, and I am eager to see it realised. My time at RCL has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am confident Steve Phillips will excel in leading the college into its next chapter.”

Steve Phillips commented:

“My passion for education has always been rooted in helping individuals transform their lives and ensuring an outstanding student experience. I have long been inspired by Regent College London’s mission to offer flexible higher education to students from all backgrounds. As Chairman, I look forward to working closely with our academic teams and partners to further this mission.”

Notes to editors

About Regent Group

Regent Group is an award-winning, multifaceted global organisation headquartered in the UK. Founded in 2000, it has grown into a leading provider of educational services, from higher education to professional training. Regent Group’s portfolio spans across the education sector, international development, and impactful investments. It is committed to delivering high-quality education that transforms lives and communities, supporting a range of learners in achieving their full potential.

For press enquiries:

Email: marketing@rcl.ac.uk