Online education firm FutureLearn has appointed Ian Howell as its new managing director.
The UK’s home-grown massive open online course (Mooc) platform had had a vacancy at the top since the departure of chief executive Andy Hancock at the end of March after a financial crisis that presaged its sale by the Open University (OU) and Australia’s Seek Group last November to Global University Systems (GUS).
Mr Howell is currently chief executive for Europe, the Middle East and Asia at Higher Ed Partners, which helps universities to deliver courses online. Prior to that he spent six years as managing director of the OU’s worldwide division.
“During my time at the OU, I worked alongside colleagues who established the FutureLearn operation more than 10 years ago, so I’m familiar with the company and excited by the opportunities ahead,” Mr Howell said.
