Anthony became Chief Executive of QAA in October 2009.  He was formerly Chief Executive of UCAS. He started his professional career in the central administration at the University of Warwick, ultimately serving as Senior Assistant Registrar. He was appointed Academic Registrar at the University of Hull in 1992 and in 1995 became Acting Registrar.

Anthony served for eight years on the Council of the University of Gloucestershire.  He also served on the Widening Participation Strategic Committee at HEFCE, the Aim Higher National Partnership Board and the Higher Education Engagement Project Board for 14-19 Reform at the DCSF.  He is a director of the Inspiring Futures Foundation, and has served on the governing bodies of the National Star College and three schools.