Former Microsoft education director takes on new role at RM

Chris Rothwell will play a 'crucial role' in the new position

RM has confirmed the appointment of former Microsoft education director Chris Rothwell as its new group strategy and customer director.

The technology and resources supplier to the education sector says Rothwell will play a "crucial role" in the new executive position, which the company says it created to help long-term sustainable growth.

The Oxfordshire-based supplier says he will initially focus on leveraging work already being undertaken by the business divisions while "collaborating more effectively in demonstrating the value that an RM customer gets from being part of the broader company".

Rothwell said: "There is no doubt that the potential for technology in education is not yet being realised for everyone, even with the incredible progress and adoption over the last two years - something I saw first-hand whilst at Microsoft.

"As I think about RM's heritage and expertise, the opportunity to help customers make progress on their digital journey is a hugely exciting one."

Rothwell has worked in the technology industry for almost 20 years and prior to joining RM managed the UK education industry team at Microsoft.

There he was responsible for supporting over 30,000 of Microsoft's Education customers in the UK across schools, colleges, universities, museums and libraries.

He is also a school governor, a trustee of an edtech charity, and has a vested interest in helping the industry improve educational outcomes for all.

Rothwell added: "From curriculum resources to classroom technology and the school office to assessment, every school can benefit from the right expertise to make sure technology is helping them and their pupils achieve. I look forward to driving this mission so that schools reach their full potential."

Neil Martin, CEO of RM, said: "This is an exciting time for RM and Chris' wealth of knowledge in education and technology will be critical in our ongoing development and growth. It is an important appointment for us and I am thrilled that Chris has chosen RM at a hugely important time for the sector.

"He will play a leading role in our vision of improving educational outcomes across the breadth of markets in which we operate including innovative curriculum resources, digital assessment and the use of technology to improve educational environments."