The British Council has appointed a new Chair, effective January 2024.
Dr Paul Thompson will succeed Stevie Spring CBE, who originally ended her term in December 2022. Since then, Sarah Sands has been Acting Chair, and will return to her position as Deputy Chair from January.
Dr Thompson has worked with various educational and cultural institutions, including the Royal College of Art (RCA), Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and the UK’s Design Museum.
During his time at the RCA, Dr Thompson led a curriculum reform and created the annual Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship fund for black and Caribbean diaspora students.
‘Throughout my career I have worked closely with the British Council’s expert staff across Asia, the Gulf and North America,’ says Dr Thompson. ‘I have huge regard for the institution’s role in promoting UK “soft power” and our world-class universities and am delighted to be joining Scott and the Board of Trustees.’
Chief executive of the British Council, Scott McDonald, says he is ‘delighted Paul will be joining us as Chair.’
‘Paul’s impressive track record leading world-renowned institutions, combined with his passion for arts and culture and education, will be of huge benefit to the British Council … I am hugely grateful to Sarah Sands and Stevie Spring for everything they have done in their time as Acting Chair and Chair.’
