Simon has worked extensively in the public and voluntary sectors. His track record of senior search in higher education includes the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Southampton and Nottingham, alongside top-level non-academic leadership roles in Russell Group institutions. He has also developed a focus on high-profile third sector appointments, including the Chief Executives of Legacy Trust UK, the English-Speaking Union and the National Trust for Scotland.

Simon holds a degree in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Warwick, where he also spent a sabbatical year as President of the Students’ Union.