Christian Cull

Associate Consultant

c.cull@sums.ac.uk

Christian’s most recent role in the higher education experience was as Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Bristol for three years until October 2023. At Bristol, Christian instigated transformational brand, digital platform brand, digital platforms, and team structure projects. He co-wrote and launched the University’s 2030 strategy; and led communications for its future Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a flagship project designed to enhance the power and potential of the creative, digital and innovation sectors to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Christian also played an integral role in the creation, branding and launch of Bristol Innovations, supporting the virtual network that drives commercial growth by increasing opportunities with third-party stakeholders for the collaborative translation of research for real-world purposes. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, Christian led and managed communications plans. He also served as a member of the Student Experience Programme Board, helping to shape student communications.

Before joining Bristol, Christian provided global marketing leadership at INTO University Partnerships, where he was SVP Global Marketing, helping to recruit international students for 22 UK and US partner universities. He brings a focus on global profile, underpinned by an understanding of audience needs. His higher education sector understanding is augmented by considerable senior marketing and communications experience across high profile commercial brands.

Christian is used to working on extensive, wide-ranging remits, having been a UK board director at both Vodafone and TUI Travel; corporate communications director for Sky; and marketing director at Waitrose – reporting to the CEO in each organisation. He led the development of the brand at Waitrose and helped to develop the tone of voice at Sky. At TUI he worked closely with the Foreign Office throughout both the Arab Spring crisis and the period of disruption to global travel caused by Icelandic volcanic eruption.

Christian’s other strategy advisory roles have included membership of the Cancer Research marketing board and the Government Executive Board, UK Council for Child Internet Safety. Trusteeships include a current role at St George’s music venue in Bristol, and the Travel Foundation.