Anne Marie Graham has been celebrated at The PIE Live Europe 2026, for her outstanding contributions to the international education community.
Presented on Tuesday 24 March, the award recognised Anne Marie for playing a pioneering role in shaping the UK’s international education landscape, and for her commitment to putting international student voice at the heart of sector-wide decision making.
The PIE Live Europe highlighted her influential senior leadership roles across major UK education bodies and her empathetic, collaborative leadership that is grounded in partnership and advocacy. They also commended how, at the helm of UKCISA, she elevated the organisation’s role as a leading voice for international students and drove policy advocacy that improved visa pathways and graduate opportunities for thousands.
Her contribution to major sector initiatives was also celebrated, including her work on the UK Agent Quality Framework and the #WeAreInternational campaign, embedding international student voices in both policy and practice to shape meaningful change.
On receiving the award, Anne Marie Graham said to delegates:
“I’m very humbled to get this award, within such a stellar field of colleagues.
“My career has been shaped by international education, I’ve been an international student myself, giving me a taste of how that can change your life, and it certainly changed me as an individual and set me on the path for a very fulfilling career working in education and with students.
“I’ve been so proud to be part of this sector for so long -it’s so collaborative. And this sector has become more important than ever. We’re living in challenging times and the ambitious, talented, brave individuals that are making choices about their international education are our future. So more than ever, I hope you continue to put international students at the heart of what you do.”
Anne Marie Graham will be stepping down as UKCISA Chief Executive on 31 March, with UKCISA’s Head of Advice and Training, Heather Knight, to hold the position of interim Chief Executive from 1 April. Read the statement from our Chair of the Trustee Board, Professor Koen Lamberts.
Title photo credit: Roger Harris Photography
