Meet Our Team

Find out who the Senior Leadership Team are in the Development & Alumni Relations Office.

Lucian Hudson, Executive Director, Communications and External Relations

As Director of Advancement and Communications, Lucian is responsible for leading Durham University’s advancement activities, bringing together marketing, communications and development to support the enhancement of the University’s global reputation and influence. Lucian is responsible for the Development and Alumni Relations Office and the Marketing and Communications Office.

Katie Harland-Edminson, Chief Development Officer, Development and Alumni Relations

Katie is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of development and alumni engagement activity for the University, overseeing a team working across all areas of fundraising, development operations and alumni engagement. She also manages her own portfolio of principal gift prospects and donors. Katie has specific responsibility for internal leadership of a campaign linked to Durham’s 200th anniversary in 2032, working closely with the University’s Executive team and the Campaign Board.

Katie is a graduate of Newcastle University, where she completed a PhD in English Literature. She previously held management and leadership roles in Development at Newcastle and Northumbria universities, where she led on a number of significant fundraising projects and campaigns.

Direct telephone: +44 (0)7385 426700  
Email: katie.harland-edminson@durham.ac.uk

Stuart Thompson, Deputy Director, Advancement Services

Stuart leads the Advancement Services team at Durham University. His portfolio comprises data and information management, data governance and compliance, alumni and stakeholder systems, reporting and analytics, training and user support, prospect research, gift processing, and stewardship.

Stuart has developed many new systems and processes, to improve and expand the Development and Alumni Relations functions at Durham including the development of an Alumni Engagement Pyramid.

Direct telephone: +44 (0)191 334 4551    
Email: stuart.thompson@durham.ac.uk