Chineke! Foundation Welcomes Seven New Trustees, Proving Leadership Diversity is Thriving

We are proud to announce the appointment of seven new Trustees to our Board. This impressive cohort of leaders brings a wealth of experience from a broad range of sectors, furthering our mission to nurture talent and create opportunities for emerging and established classical musicians. These appointments are a significant step in supporting the Foundation’s growth as we build toward our 10th Anniversary in 2025.

Chair of Trustees Dr. Frank Douglas, who has a distinguished background in business, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointments, stating:

“I am thrilled to welcome such an extraordinary group of new Trustees to the Chineke! Foundation. Following an extensive search led by recruitment industry leaders Saxton Bampfylde, this diverse group reflects our commitment to excellence and representation. These appointments prove that the narrative that Black or ethnic minority board members are difficult to find is simply untrue. Our new Trustees are extremely successful in their respective fields, and their wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue developing our vision of better representation in the orchestral world and propel Chineke! to the next level.”

As the Foundation looks ahead to its next decade, the Trustees will play a crucial role in shaping its development plans for the next five years, ensuring that Black and minoritised ethnic musicians are given the same opportunities to thrive in the classical music world. Frank Douglas further emphasized that the skills and experiences of these new Trustees will be pivotal as Chineke! expands its impact and influence in the cultural landscape.

These appointments will be made in two phases: the first during the fourth quarter of 2024, and the second in the first quarter of 2025. Additional details about the exact dates will be provided closer to the time.

Meet the New Trustees:

Mojisola Kareem is an award-winning director, CEO, and Creative Director, and the founder of Utopia Theatre, a leading African theatre company based in Sheffield.

Harry Matovu KC is a highly regarded barrister and Founder and Chair of the Black Talent Charter, which aims to enhance Black representation across UK business and professional sectors.

Adedigba Rawcliffe is ITV’s Chief People Officer, having previously served as Director of Diversity & Inclusion and on ITV’s Management Board since 2020.

Samantha Sing is Finance Director of BBC Nations and previously served as Finance Director at Sony Pictures for eight years.

Cedric Ntumba is a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur with extensive experience in education leadership, finance, investment, and software development.

Gawayne Williams is Finance Director for award-winning immersive theatre company Punchdrunk, with extensive accounting and finance experience working in the creative sector.

Nathan Ashley is a public policy and communications expert with over 12 years’ experience, having advised the Mayor of London and a number of organisations across the UK in education and the arts.

The new trustees join the current Board consisting of Candace Allen, Lucy Stoner and Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE,FRSA .

As the Chineke! Foundation gears up for its milestone 10th anniversary, these new Trustees will be instrumental in guiding its mission to champion change through music, ensuring that diversity, creativity, and community are at the heart of its growth.