Kaye Ward
Saffron Walden,Essex
Summary
Experienced Executive Assistant with over 20 years supporting senior leaders, including VP-level in global organisations. Highly organised and adaptable, confident, juggling busy diaries, coordinating complex travel, and delivering seamless events and conferences. Known for being approachable, grounded, and easy to work with, I build trust quickly and act as a sounding board for colleagues at all levels and enjoy mentoring and helping others grow, while keeping projects and workflows on track. Alongside proven admin skills, I have a growing passion for the neurodiversity space and am training to combine organisational strengths with meaningful advocacy work.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Administrative Partner
Illumina
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
2016.01 - 2025.08
- Deliver high-level executive assistance to VP-level leaders in Research and Development.
- Coordinate schedules, travel, budgets, and priorities across multiple time zones.
- Manage complex global calendars, aligning meetings and project milestones.
- Arrange international travel, crafting detailed itineraries for seamless operations.
- Organise internal and external events, overseeing logistics from planning to delivery.
- Coordinate department attendance at international conferences, handling registration and accommodation.
- Monitor budgets and expenses to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Mentor & Line Manage Junior Administrative Coordinator to enhance career development and role proficiency.
Events and Training Coordinator
Kuoni Global Travel Services
London
2011.04 - 2016.01
- Coordinated logistics for global training programme across Asia Pacific, America, Europe, and Middle East.
- Organised events, venues, and suppliers to ensure seamless execution.
- Oversaw international travel and accommodation arrangements for trainers.
PA to Managing Director / Office Manager
Forge Consultants
London
2010.09 - 2011.04
- Delivered comprehensive PA and office management support to Managing Director and design team.
- Managed diaries, correspondence, and client communications to enhance operational efficiency.
- Assisted business development and marketing initiatives to drive organisational growth.
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
Octopus Travel.com
London
2008.06 - 2010.09
- Provided high-level executive support during company restructure and rebranding initiatives.
- Managed complex diaries and correspondence for efficient communication.
- Coordinated international travel arrangements to optimise schedules and logistics.
Events & Fundraising Manager
Parents for Children
London
2006.07 - 2008.06
- Established a fundraising events strategy to maximise income for charity.
Conference & Training Manager
Parents for Children
London
2005.07 - 2006.07
- Elevated charity’s conference and training programme to profitable, self-funded status.
PA to National Events Director & Events Assistant
Cancer Research UK
London
2003.08 - 2005.07
- Delivered comprehensive PA support to National Events Director, ensuring efficient operations.
- Coordinated high-profile fundraising events, enhancing visibility and participation.
- Assisted in planning and executing events to optimise engagement and fundraising results.
Education
Coaching - Neurodiversity
Barrett Coaching and Training
City of London 2025.09 -
Neurodiversity Champions Training - Neurodiversity
Do-IT
City of London 2025.04 -
ADHD Champions Programme - Neurodiversity
ADHD Works
City of London 2025.01 -
Diploma - Executive PA Skills
Pitman Training
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 2002.01 - 2003.01
BA Joint (Hons) - English & Media/Film Studies
De Montfort University
Leicester 1998.09 - 2001.06
Skills
- Executive-level administrative support (20 years’ experience, including VP-level in global organisations)
- Complex diary management and multi-time zone scheduling
- International travel planning and conference coordination
- Event management, internal, external, and high-profile engagements
- Budget tracking, expense management & procurement processes
- Mentoring and team development (line manager)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, always approachable, grounded, and adaptable across all seniority levels
- Skilled at bridging gaps, smoothing communication, and acting as a trusted sounding board
- Stakeholder liaison across diverse cultures and teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and organisational excellence
- Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Teams, and virtual collaboration tools
- Interest and training in neurodiversity awareness & advocacy
Timeline
Coaching - Neurodiversity
Barrett Coaching and Training
2025.09 -
Neurodiversity Champions Training - Neurodiversity
Do-IT
2025.04 -
ADHD Champions Programme - Neurodiversity
ADHD Works
2025.01 -
Administrative Partner
Illumina
2016.01 - 2025.08
Events and Training Coordinator
Kuoni Global Travel Services
2011.04 - 2016.01
PA to Managing Director / Office Manager
Forge Consultants
2010.09 - 2011.04
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
Octopus Travel.com
2008.06 - 2010.09
Events & Fundraising Manager
Parents for Children
2006.07 - 2008.06
Conference & Training Manager
Parents for Children
2005.07 - 2006.07
PA to National Events Director & Events Assistant
Cancer Research UK
2003.08 - 2005.07
Diploma - Executive PA Skills
Pitman Training
2002.01 - 2003.01
BA Joint (Hons) - English & Media/Film Studies
De Montfort University
1998.09 - 2001.06