Dimitra Boutsioukis, Chief Executive Officer
Dimitra Boutsioukis takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer for International Newcastle, effective from 1 July 2026.
Dimitra brings extensive experience in international education, strategic leadership and partnership development, with a strong track record of expanding global opportunities for young people:
- In her role as Head of Global Opportunities at Newcastle University, she helped build one of the UK’s largest and most accessible international mobility programmes, leading the strategic development and delivery of initiatives including Erasmus+ and the UK Turing Scheme.
- She managed complex operational and digital projects, oversaw budgets of up to £2 million and secured significant funding to widen participation in international experiences, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Under her leadership, Newcastle University received the 2024 PIEoneer Award for Study Abroad and Exchange Experience of the Year in recognition of its innovative and inclusive approach to global education.
Alongside her expertise in international mobility, Dimitra has significant experience in stakeholder engagement, governance and partnership management at both local and global levels.
- She worked collaboratively across 19 Schools and multiple professional service teams, chaired cross-institutional working groups and developed strong governance structures to support strategic delivery.
- Dimitra managed Newcastle University’s global exchange network of more than 250 partner institutions worldwide and has worked closely with embassies, ministries, education agents and international organisations.
- She has led large-scale engagement events
- She has presented at international conferences and developed communications, marketing and outreach initiatives.
- Her leadership style combines strategic thinking, collaboration and a strong personal commitment to widening access to international opportunities and strengthening global connections within the North East community.
Dimitra is also tri-lingual – speaking German, Greek and English fluently.