British Academy of Jewellery Appoints New Leader

By Rob Bates | October 30, 2025

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has appointed Matthew J. Williamson, a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy, its new principal.

Williamson has more than 30 years of higher education experience. He has chaired the U.K.’s Heads of Educational Development Group and contributed to national enhancement initiatives with the Scottish Funding Council, Open College Network, and GuildHE.

At BAJ, he will work alongside chief operating officer Amir Shaikh, who has been with the group since 2016.

BAJ’s leadership team will be guided by a newly appointed board of governors, chaired by Neal Sussman, a former marketing director at De Beers and Burberry.

(Photo courtesy of the British Academy of Jewellery)