Dr Sharon Ellis is the Chief Operating Officer at Queen Mary University of London. Prior to her current role she was the Director of Research & Innovation. In her time at Queen Mary she has played a key role in delivering the University’s strategic research and innovation ambitions.

Before entering higher education, Sharon built a wealth of previous senior leadership experience from her roles in several central Civil Service Departments (Environment, Transport, and Business). As a Director, she led a wide range of policy agendas both domestic and international, several public body reforms and a range of short-term postings in response to national emergencies, to lead in preparations for issues such as nationwide flood recovery.

Sharon is a Governor at Homerton University NHS Trust.  She is also a lead Reviewer for Public Body Reviews for the Cabinet Office and External Review for the Cabinet Office Infrastructure projects Authority.