The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) has welcomed three new trustees to its Board.
STEVE SACKS joins NYO, bringing over 30 years of experience as a business executive, including as a Partner at McKinsey and Company, Burberry PLC and Selfridges and Co. He is also the European President of the Advisory Board for the Arts.
Alongside Sacks is VYLA ROLLINS, an organisational psychologist, Executive Director at London Business School Leadership Institute and Managing Director at Rubato Global Consulting Limited.
A former competitive singer, chorist and flute player, Rollins said that music not only given her "life and interpersonal skills" but had also "created a safe and supportive platform for me to develop as an individual".
Chief Executive Officer of Ajaz.org and philanthropy advisor NICOLA BRENTALL is also appointed.
Brentall has worked with youth charities for 25 years, including as Founder and CEO of The Queens Commonwealth Trust, a charity supporting young people and social entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth.
On the impact of NYO, she said: “I see teenagers walking taller, feeling happier, feeling part of something. I have seen improved mental health, confidence and new friendships.
"In these difficult days and times for our teens, we need so many more opportunities for them like this.”
Interim Chair DONAGH COLLINS said the newly appointed trustees bring an “exceptional breadth of skills and experience" to the team.
“NYO will always nurture young people from all over the UK with exceptional potential, helping them to channel orchestral music as a distinctive force and to look to the future with confidence and optimism.”