BUILA appoints Lily Rumsey as permanent Executive Director 

14 September 2026

BUILA is delighted to announce the appointment of Lily Rumsey as its permanent Executive Director, following her successful period as Interim Executive Director. 

Lily will take up the permanent role from 1 September 2026, leading BUILA as it enters an exciting new phase of development and growth. 

BUILA has been a significant part of Lily’s international education career for more than 15 years. Reflecting on her appointment, Lily said: 

“BUILA has been woven into the fabric of my entire international education career. It has been a professional home for me - a source of guidance, friendship and opportunity, and a place where my voice, alongside many others, could genuinely help shape the sector.” 

During her time as Interim Executive Director, Lily has brought energy, fresh ideas and momentum to the organisation, alongside a strong commitment to BUILA’s members and the wider international education sector. 

Her appointment comes at an important time for BUILA, with the organisation focused on building on its strong foundations and strengthening its influence, profile and impact across the sector. 

Central to this will be BUILA 2.0, shaping what’s next, together; our vision for the next phase of the organisation. 

“BUILA 2.0 is about building on what makes BUILA strong while being ambitious about what we can become,” said Lily Rumsey, Executive Director of BUILA. “Our greatest strength is our practitioner voice, and I want us to be even more confident in using that voice to influence policy, shape debate and support our members. 

“For me, BUILA 2.0 is about bringing the international education community together, equipping practitioners with the knowledge, connections and confidence to lead, while amplifying their collective voice to influence policy and shape the future of the sector. 

“Most importantly, it is about building a BUILA that is ambitious, connected and influential – and one that continues to deliver real value for its members and the wider international education sector.” 

Lily will be supported by Edward Chan, who will take on an expanded role as Projects and Operations Lead. Edward will have oversight of the delivery of BUILA’s core business, helping to ensure that its programmes, projects and operational activity are effectively coordinated and delivered.  

Stuart Easter, Chair of BUILA Council, said: 

“Council is delighted to confirm Lily’s appointment as permanent Executive Director. We have seen first-hand the energy, commitment and ambition she has brought to BUILA, and I am confident that she is the right person to lead the organisation into its next chapter. 

“Lily has a clear vision for how BUILA can strengthen its influence while remaining firmly rooted in the needs and expertise of our members. Alongside Edward’s expanded operational remit, we have a strong platform from which to deliver that ambition. 

“I would like to congratulate Lily and Edward and thank them both for the leadership they have already shown. Council looks forward to working with them, our members and our strategic partners as we continue to build an even stronger and more influential BUILA.” 

The appointment marks the beginning of the next chapter for BUILA, with a renewed focus on strengthening its practitioner voice, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and connection, and developing new ways to deliver value for its members and the wider sector.