Meet Sue Pimblett, Chair-Elect of the CUBO Executive Board

We are delighted to welcome Sue Pimblett as CUBO’s new Chair-Elect of the Executive Board. Sue has already contributed significantly as a member of the Board, and now takes on this important leadership role to help guide CUBO’s future. In this spotlight, Sue tells us more about what drives her, what brought her to the role, and the areas of CUBO’s work she feels most passionate about.

1. What motivated you to take this next step within CUBO?
   
   CUBO is an amazing organisation! Fact!! Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how CUBO has championed the campus experience, advocating for it to be at the heart of university strategy and commercial decision making. CUBO brings together and supports the brilliant people across our sector who deliver that experience and I am always in awe of the energy and passion in the room.
   
   I’ve been heavily involved in CUBO for nearly ten years now, first establishing the Marketing Group, then leading the research portfolio on the board for the last five years. Stepping into the Chair Elect role for this fabulous association felt like a natural way to contribute even more.

2. What areas of CUBO’s work or member support are you particularly passionate about?
   
   I’m especially passionate about ensuring CUBO continues to punch its weight in the sector (but I would say that as a Chartered Marketeer!) Our members play a vital role in the University experience and other HE colleagues could learn much from our commercially focussed approaches. So, raising our profile across the sector, and making sure our contribution is both recognised and valued is key for me.
   
   Collaboration across the sector is also something I care deeply about; we are strongest when we work collectively, sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all our members and wider HE colleagues. Building on the great work already done to enable this to happen more freely will be a key aim. If you’re not already involved in a special interest group, regional group, attended a round table or a conference, I can’t recommend them enough. The networking and sharing opportunities at CUBO are excellent.
   
   At the same time, I believe it’s essential that we remain innovative and responsive to the changing needs in the sector. We face complex challenges, and we must be agile in how we navigate them. By working with our brilliant CUBO partners, we can continue to drive forward solutions that not only support our members but also shape the future of our sector in a positive way.

3. How do you see the role of Chair Elect – what do you hope to learn and contribute during this time?
   
   The CUBO Board plays a critical role in providing strategic oversight and guidance of the association.
   
   I see the role of Chair Elect as a unique opportunity to listen, observe, and learn from the Board and leadership team before stepping fully into the Chair position. I will be actively supporting Melissa Brown, the current Chair, helping to advance our strategic initiatives, and building strong relationships with fellow board members, CUBO partners and other HE professional associations.
   
   I also want to build stronger connections across the membership, listening to perspectives and ideas that will help inform the Board’s direction. If you have suggestions, please do come and share them.

4. What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges facing campus and commercial services over the next few years?
   
   We’re in a period of both significant challenge and exciting opportunity for campus and commercial services. On the challenge side, we’re all having to deal with increasing financial pressures, rising costs, and shifting student expectations whilst the sector also faces ongoing uncertainty in areas such as student recruitment, international competitiveness, and the wider economic climate, all of which directly impact our services.
   
   At the same time, there are real opportunities. Campus and commercial services are uniquely placed to enhance the student experience, create a sense of community, and support institutional reputation. There’s growing scope to innovate, whether that’s through digital transformation, AI, flexible models of service delivery, or partnerships with industry that bring new expertise and revenue streams. And hopefully through CUBO members find it easier to unlock these opportunities,

5. Tell us a little about your background – what brought you into the sector and what keeps you passionate about it?
   
   My first job was with the Lawn Tennis Association, and it was an incredible early learning experience. Through that role, I had the chance to see Wimbledon up close, not just as a tennis fan, but as someone fascinated by how powerful brands are built. Wimbledon is a masterclass in strategic marketing. Every detail, from the visuals to the rituals, is part of a meticulously curated identity. It inspired me early on to think beyond campaigns and focus instead on brand experience, storytelling, and emotional connection. That has stayed with me throughout my career and was one of the reasons I chose to work in marketing.
   
   After joining the University of Leeds first working in sport, I quickly moved in to support catering, other commercial areas, residences, and then working more widely across our Facilities Directorate (estates, sustainability and soft FM). Higher education drew me in and has kept me there because you can see daily the impact that it has on people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling, and no two days are ever the same.

6. The sector is going through some difficult challenges and there is a lot of pressure on commercial and campus life practitioners. How do you unwind and relax from your full-time role at your university and other board responsibilities?
   
   Well, with a lively three-year-old at home, my weekends are a whirlwind of mini gymnastics, Didi rugby and chasing around parks, and we love heading out for walks in the Yorkshire Dales with our floofball Golden Retriever, Betty. Swimming is my go-to during really busy work periods – great exercise, but more importantly there’s something about the calmness of water that gives you space to think with clarity. I have my best ideas when swimming. And I still play hockey too. I love the competitive side of the game and have met some of the best people through the sport.
   
   Holidays are such a precious break and so important for me to get some rest and recharge. I love the fresh air and stillness of the mountains and Chamonix is a place that’s pure magic year-round, plus Betty gets to come along for the adventure too!