The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) has announced the appointment of former University of the Arts London chief executive Sir Nigel Carrington as the new chair of its Board of Trustees. Effective from February, Sir Nigel will take over from the Rt. Hon. Shaun Woodward who has led the board for eight years.
Woodward will hand over to Sir Nigel at LAMDA’s Board Meeting in February 2025 following a successful tenure during which he oversaw the transformation of the school’s campus, and the growth of the organisations’ Exams department.
Sir Nigel said: ‘I look forward very much to joining LAMDA’s Board as its new chair. As the longest continuously operating conservatoire for drama training for stage, screen, and audio, LAMDA’s global reputation for inspiring exceptional performing arts talent attracts professionals and students alike to work side-by-side. There are so many exciting opportunities ahead and I look forward to working alongside the Board, Mark O’Thomas and the wider LAMDA community as we work together to advance the goals of this historic but at the same time extraordinarily forward-thinking institution.’
Sir Nigel has just completed 10 years as chair of arts education charity the Henry Moore Foundation and was recently appointed as Chair of Universities UK’s Transformation and Efficiencies Taskforce. He brings to the role 13 years of experience as vice chancellor and chief executive of the University of the Arts London, as well as experience as managing director of an engineering and technology group, and as partner in a major law firm.
LAMDA principal and CEO Professor Mark O’Thomas said: ‘It has been a privilege to work with Shaun since I joined LAMDA in 2022. His support as we increased our impact and reach has helped to put us in a stronger position, paving the way for further progress. I want to welcome Sir Nigel on behalf of all my colleagues at LAMDA. Looking to the future, I’m excited at the prospect of collaborating as we continue to drive our strategic vision towards 2030.’