Leicester College appoints two new Deputy Principals

Leicester College has appointed two new Deputy Principals to strengthen its Executive Leadership Team. Zubair Limbada joins as the College’s new Deputy Principal (CFO) Finance and Corporate Services, and Randeep Sami is the new Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Quality.

Prior to joining Leicester College, Zubair spent 10 years at De Montfort University, where he served as Deputy Director of Financial Control. Zubair also brings valuable governance experience from his time as a Governor at Leicester College, including as Chair of the Audit Committee. In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Zubair will provide strategic oversight of the College’s finances and corporate service areas, including MIS, IT, Student Services, Marketing, and Estates and Facilities. His focus will be on financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and ensuring our infrastructure supports outstanding teaching, learning, and student experiences.

“In my new role, a core responsibility will be to ensure that the College remains financially stable and to identify opportunities to improve this position whilst providing excellent support services to all staff and students,” said Zubair. “I will look to achieve this by working with the Executive Leadership Team and the Corporation to secure and prioritise investment in strategic requirements.

“In collaboration with key stakeholders and employers I look forward to supporting the College deliver its mission to develop skills, supporting businesses, engaging communities and changing lives.’’

In his new role, Randeep Sami will provide strategic leadership across curriculum planning, teaching and learning, and quality improvement. He will focus on optimising resources, staffing profiles and courses, working with staff, employers and partners such as the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.

Randeep has been involved in Further Education since 2001. Prior to joining Leicester College, he held senior leadership roles at Birmingham Metropolitan College, including Vice Principal, where he led large and diverse curriculum portfolios spanning 16–19 study programmes, adult provision, apprenticeships and higher-level technical education. Randeep began his career as a teacher, delivering ICT and Business Studies across all levels, from entry and level 2 programmes through to advanced study and higher education.

Commenting on his new role, Randeep said: “I’m looking forward to supporting the College’s departments and directorate in helping our students to engage in Higher Education, apprenticeships and getting into the workforce. My passion for Further Education is driven by a desire to find the right pathways for students to get into work.

“To achieve our aim that Leicester College is the primary choice for young people to engage with vocational careers, we’ll be looking for ways to be more innovative in our delivery of the curriculum.”

Shabir Ismail, Principal and CEO at Leicester College, added: “Zubair joins us with over two decades of senior financial leadership experience and a strong track record in strategy, governance, and investment. His experience, integrity, and commitment to the sector will be a real asset to our Executive Team and the whole College community.

“Randeep brings more than two decades of experience in further education to Leicester College as a teacher, leader and senior executive. He will help us to ensure that provision is ambitious, inclusive and focused on delivering strong outcomes for learners, employers and communities.

“Together, these appointments strengthen our ability to deliver an exceptional student experience, working closely with employers and wider partners to ensure our provision meets skills needs and supports positive progression for all learners.”