From Guildford to the Gulf: meet Surrey alumnus Alex Collins (BSc Business Management, 2007)
From managing a school vending machine to leading tech ventures in the Middle East, Alex’s journey from Surrey’s Business Management Course to international entrepreneur is anything but ordinary
When Alex first visited Surrey as a teenager, he was drawn to the campus lifestyle – and the brand-new Surrey Business School. “It was exciting to be the first cohort,” he recalls. “Of course, you think the building makes the difference, but it’s the academics who really shape your experience.”
He thrived in the fast-growing programme and quickly became a student representative. His early advocacy led to leadership roles in the Students’ Union, first as Academic Affairs Officer and later as President.
At such a young age, being on the University Council really opened my eyes to what it takes to run an organisation.
As President, Alex sat on disciplinary panels, tackled budgets, and worked with senior leaders, gaining invaluable mentorship from figures like the Vice Chancellor and Director of Finance. “It was like a crash course in leadership. At such a young age, being on the University Council really opened my eyes to what it takes to run an organisation.”, he says. Surrey also shaped his personal life: he met his wife Leanne – also a Surrey grad – at a student union beach party, and today they’re parents to twins.
Alex Collins with his wife - and fellow Surrey alumna - Leanne and their twins
From Guildford to the Gulf
After graduating, Alex joined EY’s graduate scheme in consulting. “Surrey wasn’t even on their recruitment list back then,” he says, “but most grads hadn’t run an organisation. I had 150 staff and millions in turnover as SU President.” Specialising in government consulting, he discovered that successful projects depend more on people than technology.
A call from a mentor in 2012 led to a six-week project in Saudi Arabia, which led to 12 years in the Middle East. “It was the ultimate out-of-my comfort zone challenge. But I loved it – and it shaped everything that followed.”
At EY Middle East, Alex created a graduate programme that brought in over 500 young professionals, many now senior leaders. Later, as Managing Director of a UAE government innovation fund, he discovered his passion for working with startups. This led to co-founding RAI Digital, a venture-building firm for government and large enterprises.
In 2022, RAI Digital launched a joint venture with Saudi Post – Infinite Platforms and Logistics (Infinite PL) – where Alex now serves as Chief Operating Officer. The company has grown from zero to 300 employees across four countries. “We’re not just consulting anymore, we’re creating new businesses, grounded in technology and powered by people.”
Alex Collins
Staying grounded
Raising twins overseas with no nearby family taught Alex the value of community and balance. He sets boundaries, plans ahead, and treats work-life balance like a KPI. “It’s something you have to track, talk about, and adapt.”
Giving back – and looking ahead
As a founding SurreyLeader, Alex has helped expand the alumni network in the Middle East, hosting the f irst Surrey alumni event in Saudi Arabia. He’s also the founding donor of the Surrey Leaders Fund, which supports young entrepreneurs at Surrey.
You can always make more difference together than you can alone.
Why stay connected after all these years? “It’s not just nostalgia. Surrey is a university with vision. I’m proud to be part of that. I hope in 20 years we’re still meeting, contributing, and making Surrey stronger.”