About Us
What is PHD Hub?
Empowering success through flexible higher education.
We deliver outstanding, flexible higher education to individuals from all backgrounds. Our mission is to support academic, personal, and professional growth—offering students the freedom to learn at a time and place that suits them. Backed by 25 years of educational excellence, we are proud to nurture a diverse and inclusive community.
Our Mission
Our mission at PHD Hub is to empower students to excel in further education by providing exceptional support and innovative learning solutions. We are committed to fostering academic success through a dedicated support team and the integration of cutting-edge Natural Intelligence (NI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. By combining personal guidance with advanced technology, we ensure that learning truly matters—and that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Meet The Team
Professor Selva Pankaj
Co-CEO
Professor Selva Pankaj is an educator, "knowing vs. doing" gap researcher, and educational leader who co-founded Regent College London (RCL) in 2000 with his wife and business partner, Tharshiny Pankaj. Born in war-torn Sri Lanka, he arrived in the UK in 1990 at age 19 with just £100 from his father. He qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant, earned his MBA, and spent a decade at Prudential Financial, Inc., followed by five years in real estate investment management at firms including Schroder, Grosvenor, and Fortress Investment Group. Since 2009, he has served as CEO of Regent Global, a group spanning education and real estate. A life-changing experience studying under Professor Clayton Christensen at Harvard Business School in 2015 deepened his pursuit of understanding natural vs. manmade laws. Today, he is leading RCL’s transformation into a new British university, focused on fostering a growth mindset, character-building, and lifelong learning—ushering in a true paradigm shift in education.
Dr Tharshiny Pankaj
Co-CEO
Tharshiny Pankaj, Group CEO of Regent Global, exemplifies resilience, determination, and innovation in education. From humble beginnings and overcoming cultural and academic challenges, she pursued computer science at Brunel University before co-founding Regent Global with her husband, Selva, in 2000. What began as private tuition has grown into a network of independent schools and the creation of RCL. A pioneer in educational technology, Tharshiny introduced central London’s first VR classroom, setting new standards for immersive learning. Under her visionary leadership, Regent Global and RCL have earned numerous accolades, driven by her mission to make quality education globally accessible, affordable, and empowering.
Sharanie Pankaj
CEO Office Associate
Sharanie Pankaj is a CEO Office Associate at Regent Global, where she supports senior leadership through strategic project coordination, internal reporting, and cross-functional collaboration. With a BSc in Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science, she brings a strong foundation in finance, economics, and strategy, complemented by sharp analytical and organizational skills. Sharanie takes a proactive, detail-driven approach to her work, contributing to the effective execution of executive initiatives and the overall growth of the organization.
Amit Obhrai
Business Manager
Amit Obhrai is an accomplished leader in education and business operations, with a proven track record in both institutional leadership and entrepreneurial innovation. Formerly Head of School and Director of Studies at RIC, he has since expanded his portfolio through ventures across North America, gaining valuable experience in technology integration and operational strategy. Known for his strategic vision and ability to drive impactful change, Amit brings a dynamic blend of educational insight and business acumen that makes him a key asset in a forward-thinking organization - PHD Hub.
Keeley Garner
Business Development Associate
Keeley Garner is a dedicated and versatile professional who has made meaningful contributions across various departments at RCL. From supporting students at the CLO office to producing impactful marketing content that highlights the importance of education, she brings passion and purpose to every role. Now part of the PHD Hub team, Keeley continues to expand her expertise, committed to empowering others to reach their dreams via academic and personal goals.
