Meet the team
Get to know the people powering QS’ Global Impact
At QS, we bring together exceptional talent from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive culture where innovation thrives. We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our team, ensuring that our people are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to drive success.
Our leadership includes experienced professionals from education, business, and technology, providing a diverse perspective that enhances our ability to support institutions globally. This unique blend of expertise allows us to offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of our partners.
Our collaborative approach creates multidisciplinary teams that complement your objectives, combining insight with innovation to push beyond conventional thinking. We work closely with you, listening carefully and co-creating strategies that drive meaningful outcomes. Meet the talented individuals who power QS and help shape the future of higher education.
900+
Employees
With over 900 employees from across the globe, QS places a focus on inclusivity and diversity in everything we do.
20+
Leadership members
With over 20 senior leaders from across the globe.
50+
Staff nationalities
QS staff hail from all corners of the globe, supporting our clients with cultural expertise in a wide variety of languages.
25+
Countries
Our international staff ensure QS clients are supported with the best expertise specialising on every region, from every region.
Executive Leadership Team
Nunzio Quacquarelli
Nunzio is the founder of QS and the visionary behind the QS World University Rankings – now the most cited global rankings worldwide. A University of Cambridge and Wharton School alumnus, he founded the mission-led business from his dorm in 1990. Nunzio now serves as President and Chair of the Board.
Jessica Turner
Jessica assumed the position of CEO in September 2022, after serving as Group Managing Director from 2019. Jessica leads a diverse global team focused on nurturing and amplifying the trust QS has earned over three decades from the worldwide higher education community, students, employers and policymakers.
Ben Sowter
Ben is one of the founding thinkers behind the QS World University Rankings and a veteran in the field of comparative institutional performance in global higher education. As Senior Vice President, Ben heads the institutional performance unit, dedicated to bringing together policy makers and HE leaders through the power of data and insights.
Matteo Quacquarelli
Matteo is Vice President for Strategy and Analytics. His expert understanding of global higher education and the employability landscape allows him to support governments, universities and international education businesses enhance all aspects of their performance and reputation and develop strategies for the future.
Edward Harcourt
As Senior Vice President for Student Recruitment, Edward employs his unique experience in international education to lead on QS’ end-to-end student recruitment solution portfolio. His guidance allows the global team of 360+ recruitment specialists make QS one of the world’s foremost student recruitment organisations.
Maria Spies
Maria Spies is Chief Innovation Officer at QS, having joined the company in October 2024 when QS acquired HolonIQ, the leading research and analytics platform for global education she co-founded in 2018. Her leadership in Innovation Practice at QS delivers data rich insights on global education, digital transformation and higher education futures.
Patrick Brothers
Patrick joined QS as Executive Director when the leading intelligence platform he co-founded in 2018, HolonIQ, was acquired in October 2024. With his expert understanding of global education data, employment markets, public-private partnerships and strategy, Patrick continues to advise on creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Alisha Bartl
Alisha is Chief People Officer at QS, operating out of Melbourne Australia. An experienced leader in people, project and change management, she helps to develop diverse teams and responsible leadership. Prior to joining the company, she held a range of roles at Hobsons before it was acquired by QS in 2017.
Jason Newman
Jason is Chief Commercial Officer at QS, responsible for the organisation’s overall commercial success. His marketing, reputation and rankings expertise and a passion for the international higher education ecosystem allows him to effectively guide a team of 50+ experts ensure client success and satisfaction.
Matthew Wait
Matthew is Chief Financial Officer at QS. He is responsible for financial planning and managing cash flow, leading the global finance and accounts team. He has overseen exciting acquisitions QS has made in recent years as well as enhanced QS’ corporate governance practices. He joined QS in 2016.
Chris Martin
Chris is Chief Technology Officer at QS, overseeing IT operations and processes and AI innovation. With a career spanning over 30 years in technology and software, Chris’s team works to enhance user experience across company platforms and effectively support QS colleagues across the globe. He joined QS in 2021.