COBIS appoints Margaret Garrard as Director of Operations & Deputy CEO

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Garrard as COBIS Director of Operations & Deputy CEO.

Margaret joins us from Optimus Education, a publishing and events organisation providing CPD and school improvement services for over 5000 schools in the UK and internationally. At Optimus, she held various leadership roles including Head of Operations and Acting MD. Before that, she worked in events at the Haymarket Media Group and is an award-winning graduate of McGill University, Montreal, Canada where she gained both a BA and MA in Anthropology. Margaret is also a professional facilitator and trainer.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO of COBIS Colin Bell said:

"For the benefit of members worldwide, COBIS is always keen to attract and retain the best talent. After a successful and highly competitive recruitment campaign, all connected to COBIS are delighted with Margaret's appointment. Bringing over 15 years of customer and commercial experience from within the international education sector, Margaret will strengthen the association as it continues to grow and flourish especially during a time when initiatives connected to CPD, safeguarding and school improvement, such as the COBIS Middle Leaders and Aspiring Heads programmes and the COBIS Patron's Accreditation, are proving to be so popular".

Margaret will have responsibility for the day-to-day business operations at COBIS HQ in London and will also deputise for Colin Bell where appropriate.

Colin added:

"I'm sure you'll join us, on behalf of the global COBIS network, in wishing a warm welcome to Margaret. Here's to a bright, enjoyable and successful future as a valued member of Team COBIS."

Margaret is delighted to be joining the COBIS team at such an exciting time for the organisation and its membership and shared this short message in advance of her first week at COBIS:

"At the heart of my experience is a dedication to, and passion for, disseminating best practice and enabling valuable connections between experts and communities. As such, I look forward to helping COBIS continue to provide high-quality support to its members and to extend its global reach. It's great to be on board."

Margaret Garrard can be contacted via operations@cobis.org.uk