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Paul Fairburn appointed as Director of Consultancy and Commercial Services

Key details

Date

  • 9 July 2026

Author

  • RCA

School, Centre or Area

Read time

  • 1 minute

The RCA has appointed Paul Fairburn as Director of Consultancy and Commercial Services, a newly created role that will strengthen the College's consultancy and commercial activity and support its long-term financial sustainability.

Paul Fairburn portrait

Paul will join the RCA on 1 September 2026, working within the Research, Knowledge Exchange & Innovation directorate, led by Professor Sanja Bahun, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation.

The appointment reflects the College's ambition to diversify its income beyond tuition fees, which currently account for around 75% of total revenue. By developing a more strategic approach to consultancy, commercial partnerships and innovation, the College aims to create new income streams that can be reinvested in its world-leading teaching and research, alongside other strategic priorities.

Paul joins the RCA from Coventry University, where he led the development of major innovation and business engagement programmes, securing millions of pounds in external funding and building partnerships across industry, government and the higher education sector. With experience spanning higher education, healthcare and industry, he has an established track record of developing commercial opportunities.

In his new role, Paul will lead the development of a College-wide vision and strategy for consultancy and commercial development, working with colleagues across the RCA to expand opportunities for Knowledge Exchange, strengthen external partnerships and unlock the commercial potential of the College's world-leading expertise.

  • “Paul brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, commercial expertise and partnership development. His experience of building successful innovation programmes and creating sustainable new revenue streams will be invaluable as we strengthen the RCA's consultancy and commercial offer. We are excited to welcome him to the College.”

    Professor Sanja Bahun Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation, Royal College of Art