Photograph by Robert Taylor.
Copyright David Isaac
David Isaac CBE named new Chair of Governors at University of the Arts London
UAL has appointed David Isaac CBE as the new Chair of its Court of Governors. He will take up the role on 1 August 2018 following the end of Sir John Sorrell’s five year term of office.
David Isaac is a prominent technology lawyer, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and an advocate for education, the arts and diversity.
As a partner at Pinsent Masons, David is the global sector head for Advanced Manufacturing and Technology and advises clients, including higher education institutions, on complex transformation projects and disputes.
Alongside his work at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, he is a Director of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s cultural programme to mark the centenary of the First World War. He chaired Modern Art Oxford from 2011 to 2018, championing the importance of visual arts galleries outside London. He was a trustee of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, a founder trustee of British Future and a Director of the Big Lottery. He was the Chair of Stonewall from 2003 to 2012 and led the organisation to deliver major legislative and social change in the UK. He was ranked 27th in the OUTstanding Top 100 LGBT executives published by the FT in October 2017 and was appointed CBE in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to equality and diversity.
Nigel Carrington, Vice-Chancellor of UAL, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome David Isaac to UAL. His track record in the arts, diversity and human rights will connect strongly with the values of our staff and students as we become a global university. As a technology strategist, his contribution will be invaluable as we build our reputation within creative computing and keep pace with growth in the technology sector.
“It has been a great privilege to work with Sir John Sorrell, who is a tireless evangelist for creative education. His vision for UAL as a foundation stone for Britain’s creative industries will continue to influence our thinking well beyond his term of office.”
David Isaac said: “I am delighted to join UAL at a time when the influence of the creative industries is expanding so rapidly across the world. I have long admired the work of the university and its impressive global reputation in teaching and research. I know its students will be strong contenders to become the leading artists, designers, communicators and performers of the future. I look forward to working with students, staff and fellow governors to build an even stronger UAL.”