Our Senior Leadership

Tina Lucas, Group CEO

Tina joined Cognition Learning Group in 2016 having previously completed successful tenures as CEO of Aspire-Education, Managing Director at Nord Anglia Education PLC and the founder of STEMtech Education. Tina has an extensive track record spanning 30 years growing award-winning education, professional services, EdTech and digital learning organisations across Europe, the Middle East, Australasia and Asia. Under her stewardship, the company has seen rapid expansion into Australia, the UK and the Pacific Island’s.

Sean Ryan, Group CFO

Sean Ryan joined as the Cognition Learning Group CFO following his role as Country & Finance Director of Australia. Previously, he had positions within the Group including Financial Controller and Commercial Manager. Sean’s experience in the international and national education sector, as well as auditing, analysis, management accounting and acquisitions, brings a diverse range of expertise to his role with Cognition Learning Group.

Dr. Arran Hamilton, Group Director, Education

Arran joined Cognition Learning Group in 2017 to lead the development and transition of our Visible Learning Plus business before taking up a position as Group Director, Strategy and more recently as Group Director, Education. He is an accomplished education-sector senior leader and researcher with more than 15 years’ experience working in some of the top educational consultancies in the world. He previously held senior positions at Cambridge Assessment, Nord Anglia Education, Education Development Trust (formerly CfBT) and the British Council. Arran is now based out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

James Hodgson, Group Commercial Director

James joined Cognition Learning Group in 2013 as a senior manager in our publishing division, and becoming Managing Director of Wavelength Learning (now Cognition Evolve) in 2015. He has an extensive background in digital learning and publishing and has led subsequent growth internationally over the last few years. James is driving the expansion of the business across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Clare Grundy, Global Operations Director

Clare is an experienced global operations leader with over 20 years of experience driving education programmes for both the private and public sectors. Currently serving as our Global Director of Operations, Clare has led multi-country initiatives funded by government departments and private sector partners, delivering strategic impact.
Clare is known for her expertise in stakeholder engagement, risk and financial management, and cross-border team leadership. She brings a dynamic, culturally sensitive approach to programme delivery and business development, underpinned by a strong foundation in project and change management.

Carolyn Preston, Group Director, People and Organisational Development

Carolyn joined Cognition Learning Group in 2023 as Head of People and was appointed to the senior leadership team as Group Director, People and Organisational Development in 2025. She has over 20 years’ experience of leading People and OD teams in both the public and private sector.  Most of her career has been focussed on Education; she not only brings expertise on developing and managing high performing teams, but also knowledge of early years, primary and special education, further education, and adult learning.  Carolyn is based in the UK and is responsible for delivering our people transformation plan across the globe.