Our Governance Board

Sylvia Edvinsson has been appointed the new director of the British Council in Spain, becoming the youngest director of the institution with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. Her career at the British Council begun in 2020, will focus on consolidating the organization’s role as a leader in the English language, education, culture, and the arts. In her statement, she highlighted her commitment to fostering connections between Spanish and British citizens through these areas.

Eric Lawrie has worked for the British Council in more than ten countries and firmly believes that education is as important to international relations as politics, economics, and development. Eric has led several joint programmes between the UK and local governments to improve quality in secondary and higher education, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills for employment.

Lucy was the Regional Director for the British Council in East Asia, covering thriving English teaching markets. She focuses on a service-oriented leadership style, removing obstacles and promoting equality. Her first encounter with the British Council was through a scholarship to study ceramics in Beijing, and she has held various leadership roles within the organisation, including Country Director in Singapore. Lucy studied Chinese and Development Studies and lives in Gower, Wales.

Mercedes Hernández Estrada joined the school for the 18/19 academic year. Her previous role was CEO of Pioneer Educational Trust in Windsor and Slough and executive principal. She has worked in UK schools since the late 80s after completing her Philology degree and CAP at Oviedo University. She has been a Lead Practitioner for Curriculum Design and Leadership and recently, as National Leader in Education, she has supported schools, the Spanish and UK ministries and the Comunidad de Madrid.

Daniel Sanders joined the British Council in 2021 as Director of Corporate Finance. He began his role in the EU Region at the start of 2024. Before working at the British Council, he was in the travel industry, coordinating finances across 19 European destinations, including Spain. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at British Waterways, playing a key role in its transition to a charity when the Canal & River Trust was established in 2012.

Director of Finance and Resources of British Council Spain since 2013. Previously held several positions in private sector companies in the areas of Finance, Controlling, Administration, Internal Audit and Business Consulting, as part of more than 25 years of professional experience with a multicultural international exposure. Born in Mexico has also lived in Switzerland and is resident of Madrid since 2005.

Ben took on this role in April 2021 and leads a team managing over 150 teaching centres across 46 countries. With 10 years of experience in education, he is dedicated to providing students with the highest quality education. Before leading English language provision at the British Council, he held roles in Change Management, Human Resources, and Talent Management. Previously, he ran his own business in the tourism sector.

Carolina Jimenez is the Head Education at British Council. Her role is to enhance links between UK and Spain Education centres and specialists. From recruitment (Fairs) to direct marketing, consultancy, or establishment of agreements. I also liaise with Spanish authorities to certify British Schools or degrees in Spain, to discuss issues around recognition, validation, or mapping of degrees.

Sandie McKenzie was posted as a diplomat to the British Embassy in Summer 2021, covering strategic communication, media, social media and public diplomacy in her role as Director of Communication. She has over 10 years of experience in communication and public relations and a strong interest in education.

Before joining the British Council School in 2024, Matshe was a Senior Business Leader in primary, special, and secondary schools in the UK. She also taught English as a second language in Murcia. Matshe previously worked in Facilities Management and Marketing. Alongside her education career, she completed school business management training with the National College, an MBA in Strategic Leadership, and became a Chartered Management Fellow in 2020.