Anne Marie Graham to step down as UKCISA Chief Executive in spring 2026

Anne Marie Graham has announced her decision to step down as Chief Executive of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) in spring 2026.  

Anne Marie has led the organisation since April 2019, during a period of unprecedented challenge and change for the international education sector. Working in close partnership with members, students, governments and partners across the sector, her leadership has spanned the UK’s exit from the European Union, the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant shifts in immigration policy, most notably championing the successful reintroduction of the Graduate route.  

Under her leadership, UKCISA strengthened its influence with government and sector stakeholders, while also driving significant cultural and organisational change internally. Anne Marie positioned UKCISA as a confident, trusted voice in policy discussions with the Home Office, the Department for Education and other decision-makers, ensuring that the interests of international students and the institutions that support them were clearly and consistently represented.  

A defining feature of Anne Marie’s tenure has been the revitalisation of the #WeAreInternational campaign. Under this banner, UKCISA has developed a suite of initiatives that support members and students to deliver a world-class international student experience in the UK. This includes the Student Ambassador Programme, the Student Charter, targeted grant schemes to support institutional innovation, and the #WeAreInternational Awards, which celebrate success and inspire change across the sector.  

Reflecting on Anne Marie’s departure, Chair of the Trustee Board Professor Koen Lamberts shared: 

"Anne Marie has been an outstanding leader for UKCISA and the sector. With vision and resilience, she has steered the organisation and the sector through some of its most challenging times, always centring the needs and voices of UKCISA members and international students. Anne Marie has strengthened our influence with government, deepened our credibility across the sector, and fostered a culture within the organisation that is confident, value-driven and outward-looking. 

On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Anne Marie for her service and leadership. We are grateful for the legacy she leaves and wish her well as she focuses on her health. The Board is committed to a smooth transition and to appointing a new Chief Executive who can build on this legacy and lead UKCISA into its next phase."  

Announcing the news, Anne Marie shared that:  

"There is never a perfect time to leave a role, but it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new Chief Executive. UKCISA is an important and influential organisation, making a real difference for our members and for international students in the UK.  

I'm proud to have worked with you all to navigate Brexit, a pandemic and significant policy changes. I see a step change in how stakeholders across the sector acknowledge how the student voice should be represented in policy change, and I hope this will be a lasting legacy of my leadership.   

I know that its next leader will be able to build on my work and ensure UKCISA continues to do transformational work for the sector and international students." 

Anne Marie will leave UKCISA towards the end of March 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed. The Board have begun work to recruit a new Chief Executive and will share further updates in due course. Anne Marie and the senior management team will continue to focus on ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of services for all UKCISA members, students and stakeholders. 

For more information about UKCISA’s governance and staff team, visit our ‘About us’ page. To stay up to date with all the latest developments, signup to our newsletters here.