Meet Alistair Cummins-MacLeod, Middlesbrough College Group’s new Executive Director of Marketing & Communication!
Bringing more than 16 years experience in the FE sector, Alistair arrives with an impressive track record in marketing, brand management and student engagement.
He joins us from East Durham College, where he has held dual roles as Director of Marketing and Communications and Director of Student Experience, Engagement & Wellbeing.
Alistair said: “Middlesbrough College has an incredibly strong record of student recruitment and impactful marketing. My aim is to support that – evolution, not revolution.
“I’m excited to work alongside such a strong team, harnessing their strength and finding new opportunities to develop and enhance our marketing activity.
“The work the College and the team do is amazing, so to be part of that and to help make a further impact will be hugely rewarding.”
During his time at East Durham College, Alistair led several high-profile projects. He developed and launched ED6, the college’s dedicated sixth form, and The Technical Academy, a state-of-the-art construction and engineering skills campus. He also oversaw the official opening of a major redevelopment at the Houghall campus, an event marked by a royal visit from HRH Princess Anne.
“It was my idea to invite someone from the royal family and seeing that come together was a real career highlight,” Alistair said.
Now at Middlesbrough College Group, Alistair is excited to return to working in Middlesbrough and to play a key role in shaping the student journey, from school liaison through to admissions.
“The role feels like the perfect fit. I’m excited to be back in a role where I can help lead on student recruitment and marketing, which is what I’m passionate about, and the opportunity to work with a bigger college and team is fantastic.
“I’ve lived on Teesside since coming to university here, back in 1991, so I’ve always felt that this is my community and adopted home in the North East. I’m really looking forward to working at Middlesbrough College, supporting that community and playing my part in helping them to thrive.”
In his previous role at East Durham, Alistair held responsibility for several areas, including Student Services, Admissions, IAG, Careers, Student Finance, Reception, the Students’ Union, and even the college nursery.
“It gave me a greater understanding of the wider elements of delivering successful education within the FE sector, on top of the marketing expertise, which is where my passion has always been.”
Before moving into education, Alistair built a strong career in the private sector, working for leading marketing agencies in Leeds and Middlesbrough, and managing high-profile clients across industries from financial services to tourism, education to B2B. He even helped launch Capital One in the UK and led high-profile TV accounts such as Ultralase Laser Eye Surgery, with public figures like Sharron Davies, Jonathan Edwards, and Clive Woodward, former England rugby coach.
“I first became interested in FE while working with clients like South Tyneside College and Darlington College when I worked at Pearsons Marketing. When the opportunity to move into the FE sector came up, I knew it was an exciting move to make.”
Since joining Middlesbrough College Group, Alistair’s experience has been nothing short of positive.
“Everyone has been incredibly friendly and welcoming. It’s been really beneficial to join at a time when the whole marketing team has been in, but without some of the other time commitments of term time. I’ve had chance to get to know everyone, understand their roles and start to get under the skin of what we offer and how we can drive forward.”
Outside of work, Alistair is married with two grownup children. He is an avid Aston Villa fan who also enjoys watching rugby and country walks with their English Springer Spaniel, Ziggy. He also loves to travel and visiting his parents in Zambia, the country where he grew up from the age of five.
We’re thrilled to have Alistair on board and look forward to the energy, expertise, and new ideas he brings to Middlesbrough College Group!
Looking for a role at the Middlesbrough College Group? Take a look at our latest job vacancies here