Heather Styche-Patel is Chief Executive Officer of RSAcademics, a global executive search and leadership consultancy working exclusively with schools and school groups. She leads the firm’s work supporting governing bodies and senior leaders to strengthen leadership, governance and organisational effectiveness. Since joining RSAcademics in 2014, Heather has worked closely with schools across the UK and internationally, bringing strategic insight and deep sector understanding to leadership appointments and advisory work. Prior to becoming CEO, she led both the firm’s Consultancy Services practice and its Professional Services Appointments team, helping organisations plan for leadership succession, navigate change and make confident decisions informed by evidence and research. Her advisory work has included strategic and organisational reviews, stakeholder research, brand and positioning projects, and leadership transition support. Across all engagements, she focuses on helping boards and executive leaders align strategy, leadership and community expectations to achieve sustainable long-term impact. Earlier in her career, Heather held senior leadership roles in higher education, including Faculty Manager of the Business School and Director of Marketing and Market Development at the University of Surrey. She later served as Director of Finance and Operations at an independent school and as Business Manager within a state academy. She studied Law and German and holds an MBA from Henley Management College. Heather is Chair of the Board of Whole Education and previously served for over a decade as a governor of a large UK independent school. She is motivated by a belief that strong, values-led leadership in education has the power to shape lives and communities for the better.