Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has appointed Damon Shaw as its new Commercial Director and member of its Strategic Leadership Team, bringing extensive experience in commercial development across the education sector.
Damon joined Queen Ethelburga’s over the summer, taking responsibility for the Collegiate’s broad range of commercial activities and opportunities, including its growing adult training provision, QE Training Academy.
He joins from Leeds Trinity University, where he played a pivotal role in driving commercial income and supporting the institution’s growth journey from an accredited college of the University of Leeds to achieving independent university status in 2012. More recently, he contributed to the successful opening of the University’s new city campus in 2024.
Throughout his career, Damon has led teams responsible for a diverse range of commercial operations, including sports facilities, student accommodation, catering, summer residential programmes, conferences, events and bespoke educational courses. His experience in developing sustainable commercial opportunities, building partnerships and enhancing customer experiences will support Queen Ethelburga’s continued growth and innovation.
One area already demonstrating significant potential is QE Training Academy, Queen Ethelburga’s adult training and professional development provision. The Academy offers a broad range of nationally recognised courses for individuals, businesses and organisations, spanning Leadership and Management, Coaching and Mentoring, Team Building, First Aid, Health and Safety and Safeguarding, alongside opportunities to develop skills in teaching.
Qualifications available through the Academy are approved by leading awarding and professional bodies including Qualsafe, IOSH, the Institute of Leadership and the Royal Geographical Society.
With Queen Ethelburga’s extensive facilities, specialist expertise and experience in education, QE Training Academy provides opportunities for the organisation to share its knowledge and resources with a much wider audience. Damon will play a key role in exploring opportunities to further develop the Academy, alongside the Collegiate’s other commercial activities, partnerships and programmes.
Commenting on his appointment, Damon Shaw said:
“I am delighted to join Queen Ethelburga’s at such an exciting time. The breadth of commercial activity already taking place across the Collegiate is impressive, and I have been inspired by the passion and expertise of the team. QE Training Academy is a particularly exciting opportunity, with real potential to build on the excellent provision already in place and develop new courses, partnerships and opportunities. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the Collegiate as a whole.”
Welcoming Damon to the role, Amy Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Queen Ethelburga’s said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Damon to our Strategic Leadership Team. His extensive experience in commercial development within the education sector, alongside his track record of driving growth and innovation, makes him an excellent fit for Queen Ethelburga’s. His expertise will be particularly valuable as we look to build on the success of initiatives such as QE Training Academy, while continuing to identify new opportunities across the Collegiate.”
Damon’s appointment strengthens Queen Ethelburga’s commercial leadership at an exciting time, supporting the continued development of its existing ventures while exploring new opportunities to share its expertise, facilities and educational experience with individuals, organisations and communities beyond the Collegiate.
Categories: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate School News
