Overview
Global University Systems (GUS) is an influential international education network headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The organization has a strong focus on providing industry-relevant and globally-respected educational qualifications through its diverse portfolio of higher education institutions worldwide. GUS leverages innovative technology to enhance learning experiences, partnering with forward-thinking institutions to improve the global education landscape.
Key Leadership
- Aaron Etingen
- Title: Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- Background: Founded GUS in 2003 with the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF). Under his leadership, GUS grew from four students to a community of 87,000 students and 2,000 staff worldwide. Etingen emphasizes innovation in online education and has led the digital transformation strategy of GUS.
- Valery Kisilevsky
- Title: Group Managing Director
- Education: BA (Hons) in Political Science, Ethics, Law and Economics from the University of Toronto; MSc in International Political Economy from LSE; Graduate Diploma in Law from the College of Law of England and Wales.
- Role: Collaborates closely with Aaron Etingen to drive organizational development.
- Fabrizio Guccione
- Title: Deputy Chief Executive Officer
- Education: Business Administration degree from Bocconi University; MBA from Tuck School of Business, USA.
- Experience: Former CEO at Laureate International Universities with prior senior marketing roles at Colgate-Palmolive.
- Alona Ligay
- Title: Group General Counsel
- Education: LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto.
- Role: Manages legal and corporate governance, advising GUS's board and executive management.
- Miguel Blazquez
- Title: Chief Technology Officer
- Experience: Supervises technological infrastructure for GUS, formerly managed tech operations at Laureate International Universities.
Financial Overview
- Fitch Ratings: The company holds a stable 'B' outlook, signaling confidence in its acquisition strategy.
- Annual Revenue: Estimated at $267.4 million with a revenue per employee of $252,000.
- Number of Employees: 1,061, reflecting a slight decline of 1% over the past year.
- Acquisitions: Notably acquired FutureLearn to expand career opportunities and sustain its innovative online education approach.
Strategic Initiatives
- Global Expansion: Continuing to grow its presence in Canadian, UK, and European markets.
- Technology Innovation: Committed to using unique technologies to improve education accessibility and learning platforms.
- Recognition: Awarded 'Private Education Group of the Year' at the Education Investor Awards 2019 in London.
Competitors
GUS competes with numerous educational and service-oriented institutions globally.
Primary Competitors
1. University of Amsterdam
2. Utrecht University
3. Universiteit Leiden / Leiden University
4. University of Würzburg
5. University of Heidelberg
Other Notable Competitors
- nasen: Generates $14.2 million in revenue with 79 employees.
- By Design Group: $9.9 million in revenue with 61 employees.
- Geason Training: Earns $15.8 million with an 88-member workforce.
Significant Competitors
- UpReach: Revenue of $361.9 million.
- Bright Futures: Revenue of $35 million.
Strategy and Positioning
GUS differentiates itself by integrating capital investment and strategic partnerships to bolster its educational services globally. The company prioritizes a high standard of student experience and sustains significant market influence through robust revenue streams and partnerships.
Market Position
GUS maintains its solid position in the educational services sector despite facing competition from established universities and specialized training organizations that offer alternative educational models. Its innovative approach and commitment to international collaboration play a pivotal role in its market strategy.
Contact
Corporate HQ
- Address: Passeerdersgracht 23, 1016XG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Telephone: +31 20 225 4200
UK Office
- Address: Buchanan House, 30 Holborn, London, EC1N 2LX, UK.
- Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3 435 4455
For investor inquiries or additional information, contact investorrelations@gus.global.