OC Business Section
“I'm passionate about supporting OCs at whatever career stage they are at.”
— Dein Harry (SH 2010), Entrepreneurship Group Leader
What does OCBS do?
We encourage OCs working in similar professions or occupations to network, support each other and exchange ideas.
History
Early in 1919, the ‘professional and occupations’ section was formed to assist OCs returning from the Great War. Through the efforts of so many OCs, this support has continued through the decades, with a focus on providing guidance and advice.
Our groups
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Group Leader
Ian MacGregor (EG 1979)
LAW
Group Leader
Michael Crisp (CH 1959)
POLITICS
Group Leader
TBA
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Group Leader
Dein Harry (SH 2010)
MEDICINE AND HEALTH
Group Leader
Terry Wong (TL 1979)
PROPERTY
Group Leader
Jon Polledri (SH 1987)
FINANCE AND FINTECH
Group Leader
TBA
MEDIA AND ADVERTISING
Group Leader
Demi Abiola (HG 1998)
TECHNOLOGY
Group Leader
TBA
Start a new Professional Group
It’s easy to set up a new group or organise an event.
Simply email oc@highgateschool.org.uk to start the conversation!
Connect with Old Cholemeleians on LinkedIn to be the first to hear about exclusive job opportunities and OCBS events, and to network with fellow OCs.
OCBS industry insights
OCBS regularly hosts online talks and Q&As with OCs who work in a range of industries including law, medicine, tech, sustainability and much more. Often, young OCs and pupils get involved as speakers and interviewers.
OCBS Tech: Technovation
From the world of AI, with machines making decisions indiscriminate from people, to providing layers on the real world through augmented reality: we explore the fascinating growth and importance of technology and data across so many industries and sectors with our panel of OC experts: Oli Cleveley-Jones (FG 2006), Dawn Duhaney (FG 2009), Charlie Bruce (NG 2012) and Nat Martin (WG 2012).
The Future of Food: an Old Cholmeleians Q&A
An online Q&A with sustainability expert and Account Director at Futerra, Sasha Fox (EG 2008); Max Jamilly (WG 2010), the founder of meat alternatives company Hoxton Farms; and Nick Hooton (FG 2010), CEO of Jelly Drops.
Hosted by Gabriel Twentyman (SG 2021) and Bea Twentyman (SG 2019), with OC President Richard Brewster (CH 1959).
“One of the best events I've heard, not only virtually, but also in person.”
Spotlight on : Entrepreneurs
Jodie Hayes (HG 2008)
Jodie Hayes is an under-30 London-based entrepreneur, and the founder of Beautii. Beautii has become London’s leading editorial and celebrity beauty concierge service, offering the best make-up artists, hairdressers, manicurists and beauty experts straight to the client’s home, office, hotel, wedding or event.
After studying economics at Edinburgh University and working as a marketing consultant for a host of high-end London brands, Jodie set off to create her on-demand platform Beautii. The idea was in her blood, having honed her knowledge and interest in beauty, products and treatments from a young age, watching her mother grow one of London’s most-respected styling agencies Carol Hayes Management.
Oliver Bishop (SH 1995)
Having begun his career at Espotting Media in 2000, Ollie helped to launch Europe’s first search marketing business across 11 countries.
In 2005, he launched STEAK, the digital group whose clients included Virgin Holidays, Selfridges, Swiftcover, British Gas and Allianz.
In 2008, Ollie made what he admits was a risky move by launching three separate companies at one time – STEAK Americas, STEAK Asia Pacific and Minute Steak. The gamble paid off, with the STEAK Group being sold to media giant Dentsu Aegis Network in 2011.
In 2015, Ollie launched his latest venture, which is digital performance agency, ROAST and later launched creative agency, Kitty. The agencies are driven by performance, powered by strategic thinking and underpinned by unparalleled data and insight.