The Alumni Association
The Alumni Association represents members of the University of Bristol.
The Alumni Association comprises a diverse community of more than 200,000 alumni in 198 countries.
Committee members are ambassadors for the University who play a key role in building an engaged and inclusive alumni community, offering expert advice and strategic insight.
The principal function of the Alumni Association is to establish and develop a mutually beneficial relationship between the University and its body of alumni. The Alumni Association may comment upon the development and policy of the University, through its Elected Members on Court and will receive an annual account of the meetings of Court University of Bristol Court Minutes Dec 2024 (PDF, 140kB). View the 2023-24 Alumni Association Annual Accounts (PDF, 160kB)
The Alumni association will otherwise contribute to building an engaged and supportive alumni community appropriate to a world-class university.
Your Alumni Association Committee
The Alumni Association Committee contributes to building an engaged and supportive alumni community by working in partnership with alumni, the Global Engagement Division (GED) and the wider University. Committee members provide expert advice, strategic insight and specialist contributions, and act in an ambassadorial capacity within the alumni community and for the University as well as supporting the purpose of the Alumni Association.
Committee's Purpose
To contribute to building an engaged and supportive alumni community by working in partnership with alumni, GED and the wider University to:
- raise awareness and visibility of alumni contributions and support, and the University by advocating for and championing the alumni community
- help support and develop GED's mission to connect communities to transform lives through the provision of strategic and specialist advice
- contribute to the development of the alumni engagement and events programme and support activity through participation as prominent hosts, champions and ambassadors
- direct and approve the use of Alumni Association funds in accordance with the purpose of the Alumni Association
- act in accordance with the University’s Charter and Statutes and manage personal behaviour as members of the Committee in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.
For further information please contact the Global Engagement Division (GED) by email: alumni-volunteers@bristol.ac.uk or by telephone: +44 (0)117 394 1046.
Alumni Association Committee (Alumni Members)
Jonathan Phillips (BSc 1994), Chair
I obtained a BSc in Geology in 1994. I am the Co-Founder of Lithos Partners, a UK-based digital consultancy, specialising in digital communications, digital workplace and digital employee experience initiatives. We are a globally recognised leader in digital, advising the world’s most recognised brands including Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Shell. I am a Communications Advisor to the UK Government, a regular keynote speaker and an experienced Non-Executive Director. I was formerly Chair of the Rainbow Centre for Children and the University of Bristol Students’ Union; and a member of the University of Bristol Court and the Royal Institution.
Jonathan Phillips will remain as Chair for a second term to 2025.
Suwei Jiang (MBA 1997)
I studied for my MBA in International Business in 1996-97 and benefited hugely from the deep expertise of the faculty and diverse nature of the student body. I am now a partner at PwC leading our China Business Group based in London. I am an advisory board member for the Confucius Institute for Business at LSE, and an ambassador for the Women in Finance network in China launched by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Lastly, I also mentor at the 30% club, a cross-company senior female leadership development platform. I am very excited to join the Alumni Association Committee and look forward to leveraging my years of experience and expertise with the China market to support the University’s relationship in this market and its engagement with Chinese alumni.
Matt Stringer (BA 1989)
I graduated with a BA in History in 1989. After graduating I spent 30 years working in retail and retail consulting before moving recently to become a national charity CEO. Having contributed to the University of Bristol for many years as a Pioneer and through support for the University of Bristol Rugby Club (UBRFC), it was a natural step to volunteer to join the Alumni Association Committee. Being a member of the Alumni Association Committee will be a real privilege and it will be an honour to serve.
Gowri Shankar Sivabala (MSc 2012)
I graduated from Bristol with an MSc in Integrated Aerospace Systems Design in 2012, and I am Founder of SpaceNXT Labs, an innovation start-up specialising in industrial design and technology. I am also Head of Academic Affairs for CCL Academy, a mentor for the Wadhwani Foundation, and the Co-Founder of Deccan Airsports, South India’s first air sports and VR air sports company. My experience in a range of industries has given me a unique perspective on career journeys which I hope will prove valuable to current students and fellow alumni, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of Bristol Connects as a key platform for alumni engagement, networking and student support.
Vona Aghoghovbia-Ezichi (BSc 2005)
I graduated from the University in 2005 with a BSc in Accounting and Management. After university, I started my professional career in Financial Services Audit with KPMG and BNP Paribas. I am currently a Global Director of Accounting at JLL: a Real Estate Services & Investment Management firm. I am a Fellow Chartered Accountant, a Governance, Risk Management and Compliance Professional.
I have a passion for family, strong values, ethical thinking and conduct, risk awareness and compliance. I also champion the creation of inclusive environments in organizations, shattering the glass ceiling and inspiring young people to flourish in the corporate world. I have fond memories of my time at Bristol, I graduated with a great degree that has been fundamental to the career success that I enjoy. I met lifelong friends including my husband to whom I’ve been married to for over 10 years. Bristol is very dear to me and I am excited about the opportunity to use my skills and experience to add value to the University as an Alumni Association Committee Member.
Fred Moss (BA 2013)
I graduated from Bristol in 2013 with a BA in Theology and Religious Studies. From there I moved into management consulting, working on large technology infrastructure projects at Capgemini Consulting. I then moved into a commercial role at a very young startup called Hive Learning founded by Sir Clive Woodward. Our mission today is to help organizations transform their culture through small, actionable behaviors - in particular around core topics like DEI, sustainability and leadership. I now run the commercial side of the business as Commercial Director. I also spent a year on the Bristol Foundation board in New York whilst setting up Hive Learning in the US.
Harri Davies (LLB 2013)
I completed my LLB, which included a study abroad year in Hong Kong, between 2009 and 2013. Having been a lawyer, I am now an Associate Director at Aspiring Solicitors, a social enterprise which addresses inequality within the legal profession by assisting diverse talent at university level to access the country's leading law firms. Alumni play a central and growing role in supporting universities to unlock the potential of students. I look forward to applying my knowledge and experience to enhance their impact as mentors and role models, particularly for underrepresented undergraduates, in my role on the Alumni Association Committee.
Professor Andrew Carr (MBChB 1982, ChM 1987), Ex-Officio member, Alumni Trustee
I graduated from the University of Bristol and then undertook postgraduate training in Oxford, Seattle and Melbourne. I obtained my Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in England and an MA and DSc from Oxford University. I was then made a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2009.
I am currently the Nuffield Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Oxford. My research focuses on the development and evaluation of surgical implants and technologies. I founded the Botnar Research Centre in 2002 and have held senior leadership positions in the university, NHS and charity sectors in the UK, as well as advisory roles at international universities and research councils.
I am also a member of the University’s Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee and the Nominations Committee of the Board.
Caroline Hird (BA 1988)
I graduated from Bristol in 1988 with a degree in French and Philosophy, spending a third year studying at the University of Grenoble. Thanks to the University’s Careers Service, I joined the management training programme of a large chemical company, ICI. I then navigated my way across into the publishing industry to develop marketing strategies for books and journals with academic and professional publishing companies. Most recently, I spent ten years at BMJ Group, as Global Commercial Director. Throughout this time, I’ve been involved in many coaching and mentoring initiatives that supported greater access to employment opportunities and career development for young people.
I now support not for profit organisations to develop their communications strategies, while pursuing two other strong interests: improving access to employment for young people and reducing food waste through redistribution. I’m delighted to continue my lifelong connection with the University by being part of its Alumni Association Committee.
Nasra Ayub (BSc 2018)
I graduated in 2018 with a BSc in Politics and Philosophy. I was a home student as I have lived in Bristol since I was 7 years old. After graduating, I served as an UG Education Officer at Bristol SU from 2018 to 2019. I now work in Programs at Global Fund for Children focusing on youth-led and racial justice funding. I also sit on Blagrave Trust’s board of trustees.
I love Bristol as a city, the community here is like no other and as a campaigner and activist, I also value the social justice work that takes place. This city is where my own passions grew and is the reason I think Bristol is a great place to study. I am excited to serve on the Alumni Association Committee and connect with the alumni community!
Siddharth Sreekanth (BSc 2022)
I graduated in 2022 with a BSc in Economics and Politics, supported by the Global Economics Undergraduate Scholarship. Originally from Bangalore, India, I was actively involved in roles at both the University and the Students' Union, working with the Academic Quality and Policy Office, and the International Office. After graduating, I joined JPMorgan Chase in London, working across the Investment Bank and Asset Management lines of business.
Bristol has always been very special to me as it was my first home in the UK and is where I found my community. Along with the memories from my time there, what I cherish most were the people around me, which is why I am excited to be part of the Alumni Association Committee. I strongly believe that the education you receive is only second to the incredible people you meet whilst at university. I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve the alumni community and am excited for what is to come
Apply to join the Alumni Association Committee
We are now looking for a new Chair of the Alumni Association.
To learn more, please see the full role description within the Terms of Reference document Alumni Association Committee Terms of Reference (PDF, 265kB) and apply here.
Alumni Association Committee Terms of Reference
Alumni Association Committee Terms of Reference (PDF, 265kB)
Ordinance 11: Alumni Association
Sets out the arrangements for the Alumni Association, its membership and powers. Read Ordinance 11: Alumni Association (PDF, 96kB)