The Governors of London’s Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance are pleased to announce that Monisha Shah has been appointed new Chair of the College’s governing body. She will succeed Rodney Gent, who retires in 2015, after having served on the College’s Board of Governors with distinction for over ten years.
Sir Richard Eyre, Honorary President of the College, warmly welcomed and endorsed her appointment. Professor Dianne Willcocks, Deputy Chair of Governors, who headed the Board’s Selection Panel, said that Monisha Shah ‘impressed all with her refreshing passion and vision of how a 21st-century educational institution needs to be governed. She will bring a determination and commitment to which governors, stakeholders, students and staff will certainly respond.’
Professor Michael Earley, Principal and Chief Executive of Rose Bruford College, said: ‘Attracting someone of the calibre of Monisha to lead our governing body will help ensure that the College’s current educational and creative mandates, alongside its emerging 2020 strategic vision, are all on a clear and dynamic trajectory.’
Monisha Shah brings a unique set of skills to the College, including an understanding of institutional cultural leadership, business strategy and risk management as well as a strong commitment to publicly funded arts training, professional and vocational career pathways for students and staff, commercial development and fundraising, and the College’s future aspirations (including the building of new campus facilities and the power to award taught degrees). Her views on equality, outreach, access and diversity match Rose Bruford College’s own positive accomplishments in these areas.
Ms Shah has held a number of prominent public roles and is currently a Trustee of Tate, the National Gallery and the Foundling Museum. Her career in digital media, broadcasting, publishing and global entertainment has encompassed key roles at BBC Worldwide, including Director of Emerging Markets (for Asia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East) and an ongoing Directorship of Next Mediaworks Plc in India.
Born in Mumbai (Bombay), India, Ms Shah has family associations with the performing arts and India’s film industry. She holds an MBA from the London Business School, an MSc in Politics and Economy of Asia and Africa from SOAS, University of London and a BA in Political Science from the University of Bombay. She was elected Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012.
In accepting the role of Chair of Governors, Monisha Shah said: ‘Rose Bruford College is a fantastic, creative institution, serious about its commitment to its students and passionate about its contribution to the UK’s creative industry. It is a great honour to be selected as its chair, and to work with fellow governors to enhance Rose Bruford College’s growing reputation as a vibrant, international, innovative school working across media, cultures and boundaries.’