Executive Leadership Team

John Laramy CBE DL is Group Principal & CEO of Exeter & North Devon Colleges Group, a position he has held since January 2026. Previously, John was Principal & CEO of Exeter College – his background in quality improvement supported the college’s drive for excellence, recognised by two Outstanding Ofsted judgements. John has extensive experience of the academic and vocational curriculum for 16-19 year olds.

In 2022, the DfE appointed John as one of just ten National Leaders of Further Education. In 2025, Exeter College was selected to be the Construction Technical Excellence College for the South West region. John holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester and is a full corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Building. John was awarded a CBE in 2020 for services to education.

Jade is Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group and Senior Lead for North Devon College. Prior to the merger, she served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Exeter College, playing a key role in strategic leadership and organisational development.

Before this, Jade was Vice Principal, with responsibility for the College’s academic provision. Earlier in her career, she worked in secondary education as a teacher and later as a Head of Department, teaching History and Politics at A Level and within the International Baccalaureate.

Jade led the College through its Outstanding Ofsted inspection at Exeter. Jade holds a first-class BA (Hons) degree in History from the University of Exeter.

Richard has been the Group Chief Operating Officer at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group since the merger of Exeter College and North Devon College in January 2026. Prior to this he was Chief Operating Officer of Exeter College.  Richard is responsible for a number of group departments, including Finance, Estates & Sustainability, College Information Systems, Partnerships & Apprenticeships and Advice & Admissions.

Richard’s career has encompassed diverse senior finance and operational roles across a variety of sectors, including education, professional services, retail, manufacturing, construction, professional sport and property. He holds a BA (Hons) Degree in English and American Literature from the University of Warwick and is a member of the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA).

Lisa has worked in the Further Education sector for over 20 years. In her role as an Assistant Principal on the Executive Leadership Team at Exeter and North Devon College's  Group, she takes strategic responsibility for the provision for SEND learners and is the Group Lead for Equality Diversity and inclusion. Lisa is a  member of the Ted Wragg Board of Trustees and is also a current Ofsted Inspector. She works hard to champion Inclusion for any students who face barriers to learning.

Billie is an Assistant Principal at Exeter College and Group Lead for Academic Programmes and Student Experience. Billie joined Exeter College in 2014 as a teacher of A Level Law and has held a range of roles during her time at the college, including Head of Faculty, before becoming an Assistant Principal in 2021.

Billie holds an LLB in Law from the University of Birmingham and a Legal Practice Course (LPC) qualification. Having always known that her passion was teaching, Billie continues to teach A Level Law at Exeter College alongside her leadership responsibilities.

Gemma is the Group Executive Director for People and Organisational Development at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group. She is also a Chartered Member of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development.

After university, Gemma began her career in events and marketing before deciding to pursue a career in human resources. She began studying for a master’s degree in Personnel and Development in 2006 and joined the NHS the following year. She held a variety of HR roles in Somerset before joining Exeter College in 2013.

Gemma is passionate about the power of education to shape young people’s lives and help them achieve their ambitions.

Gemma lives in North Devon with her two children, who keep her busy and make her laugh every day.

Toby has worked in the education sector since 1994, leading within the MIS, CIS and IT spheres. He currently serves as Group Executive Director of CIS, with responsibility for MIS, funding, data and IT across the organisation. His career has focused on using technology, data and information systems to support effective decision-making, improve operational performance and deliver strategic change. He has extensive experience of leading complex systems and organisational transformation, alongside a strong understanding of education funding and data requirements. He is particularly focused on using data and insight to improve organisational performance and support better outcome.

Originally from Greenock on Scotland’s west coast, Steve began his career with the Ministry of Defence in 1985 as an Electrical and Electronics Apprentice before specialising in Electronic Engineering. His work took him around the world, including America, Canada, Oman, Dubai and Ascension Island, experiences that helped shape his practical and people-focused approach. Steve joined Exeter College in 2005 and is now Group Executive Director of Estates and Sustainability. Passionate about creating inspiring places to learn and work, he leads the development of safe, sustainable and future-ready environments that support students, staff and the wider College community.

John is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He currently works as Group Executive Director of Finance at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, following a 30+ year career as a finance professional in the NHS. Amongst many other things, this earned him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the governance of large, complex organisations.

A proud Devonian, alumnus of Okehampton School and Exeter College respectively, he owes much to the local education eco-system and considers it a privilege to be able to make a contribution to ensuring our young people have access to the great quality services they deserve.

Outside of work, three grown up children and two granddaughters are a source of pride and running is a source of much pleasure.