Meet Our Newest Trustees
This September, we welcomed six exceptional new Trustees to our Board: Abbas Kazmi, Adam Cross, Aimée Henderson, Albert Read, Huw Davies and Marion Afoakwa.
Their appointments come at a significant moment for ArtsEd as we begin delivering our new Strategic Plan, embrace our refreshed institutional values and continue strengthening our leadership for the future. Each of our new Trustees brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, spanning education, entrepreneurship, governance, finance, people leadership, media and the performing an arts.
Together, they will help guide ArtsEd as we continue to evolve, ensuring we remain focused on our mission to provide exceptional performing arts education and create opportunities for the next generation of artists, performers and creative leaders.
We are excited to benefit from their expertise, challenge and support as we work together to deliver our ambitions and broaden opportunities for talented young people.
Meet Our New Trustees
Marion Afoakwa
Marion Afoakwa is a senior HR leader with extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Throughout her career, she has led major people, organisational development and change programmes, helping organisations build strong, inclusive and high-performing cultures.
Her expertise spans workforce strategy, employee relations, leadership development and organisational transformation. Alongside her professional work, Marion serves as a school governor and is passionate about education and the performing arts, having been involved in music and choirs from an early age.
Adam Cross
Adam Cross is Deputy Head at Berkhamsted School and a highly respected leader in drama and education. Previously Director of Drama at both Harrow School and King’s College School Wimbledon, he has built an impressive career championing creative learning and student development.
Adam brings particular expertise in drama education, cross-sector partnerships and governance. He has served as a school governor, trustee of Polka Theatre and is currently a Council Member at Shakespeare’s Globe, where he first began his career in arts education.
Huw Davies
Huw Davies is an accomplished arts and business leader with extensive experience spanning cultural organisations, commercial partnerships and audience development. Following eleven years as Deputy Managing Director and Business Development Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, he will shortly join Painshill Park Trust as CEO.
Originally trained as a cellist at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Huw has worked as a professional musician, arts consultant and organisational leader. His deep understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of the cultural sector makes him a valuable addition to the ArtsEd Board.
Aimée Henderson FCMA, CGMA, FCIPD
Aimée Henderson is a senior executive and governance professional with extensive experience supporting organisations through growth, transformation and change. Her career spans education, charities, membership bodies and regulated sectors, including leadership roles as Chief Operating Officer of the Conservative Party and Deputy CEO of Central YMCA.
With expertise across operations, finance, people leadership and governance, Aimée has worked closely with boards and executive teams throughout her career. She is a strong advocate for education and creating opportunities for young people.
Abbas Kazmi
Abbas Kazmi is an award-winning entrepreneur, investor and education specialist who has founded and supported ventures across technology, education and finance. Recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Maserati 100, he has held advisory and leadership roles with organisations including Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, London Business School, The King’s Trust and Lancing College.
Alongside his business and governance experience, Abbas has a longstanding interest in the arts, including film production and theatre, bringing a valuable combination of entrepreneurial thinking, educational expertise and strategic leadership to ArtsEd.
Albert Read
Albert Read is a media executive, author and business adviser with an international career spanning publishing, creativity and innovation. He has served as Chair of the Evening Standard and Managing Director of Condé Nast Britain, overseeing globally recognised brands including Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Tatler and Wired.
Albert has also held a number of board and advisory roles and is the author of The Imagination Muscle, a widely acclaimed exploration of creativity. He brings significant expertise in leadership, governance, brand development and the creative industries.