Paul Kirkham is a farmers’ son from Cheshire who graduated from Edinburgh University in 1987 with an honours degree in Agriculture. He then spent 15 years building a highly successful career in a large multinational organisation, managing large companies in countries as diverse as Bangladesh, Nigeria and Uzbekistan. However, he always had a passion for songwriting and decided in 2002 to take a sabbatical year enrol as a student at the then Guitar Institute to improve his musical skills and knowledge.
Paul was so impressed with what the Guitar Institute was doing that after completing his one-year course and having realised he had probably left it too late to build a career as a songwriter, he decided to leave his career, sell his house, borrow some money and acquire the institution. During the subsequent 20-year period he founded and led the growth and development of what became the ICMP, with many challenges overcome and great achievements during that period. This culminated with the Office for Students granting to ICMP its own degree awarding powers during 2021, a significant step towards the institution becoming formally recognised as a University.
In July 2023, Paul sold a majority interest in ICMP to AD Education Limited, a strategic decision that is now enabling more significant growth, development and long-term sustainability of the institution. Already in the short period after this transaction, the institution, now renamed as AD Education UK and counting on established campuses in Liverpool, Glasgow and Leamington Spa in addition to two London campuses, has merged with the SAE Institute in the UK; now provides high quality education to over 2,000 students under both the SAE and ICMP brands; has launched an additional new centre in Leeds; has further developed its portfolio of courses; and of course has joined and engaged with an international network of schools within the AD Education group.
Paul continues to retain a significant stake in the institution and is actively involved as a Director of the Corporate Board. Additionally, he is now pursuing a range of investment interests across numerous sectors; is involved in a hands-on capacity in a new business start-up in green battery recycling; continues to support the PTA at Wren Academy, an all-through school in North Finchley; and is developing a range of philanthropic and charitable interests. And with three young and active children to manage, his schedule remains extremely busy!