London drama school appoints university vice-chancellor as new chair

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in Peckham, south-east London, has appointed Professor SIMON OFIELD-KERR as its new chair.

He succeeds Dame ROSEMARY SQUIRE, who has stepped down following the end of her three-year term.

Ofield-Kerr has had a long career in higher education and is currently vice chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts.

Prior to this, he was deputy vice-chancellor at University of the Arts London (UAL), vice-chancellor at University for the Creative Arts, and executive dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Kingston University.

He is chair of the board at Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury and has been a trustee at Turner Contemporary, Margate.

Mountview principal SALLY ANN GRITTON said Ofield-Kerr’s appointment was “exceptionally exciting for us”.

She continued: “In such a tough climate for both [higher education] and the arts, I know that Simon will bring his wealth of experience, wisdom and passion to bear in helping shape the future of Mountview, our training and our commitment to the cultural ecology of Peckham.”

Ofield-Kerr said he was looking forward to “supporting fellow trustees, staff and students in delivering life-changing performing arts education”.

He added: “It’s a challenging time for both higher education and the creative arts, but I have huge faith that this institution will continue to thrive.”