Nicky Johnston
NATASHA KAPLINSKY has been appointed Chair of the Royal Ballet School, commencing on 1 October.
This is the school's third recent high-level appointment after a change in leadership structure earlier this year. New Artistic Director IAIN MACKAY took up post this month, and new CEO PATRICK HARRISON is set to join the school in October.
Kaplinsky will succeed ANNA BIRKETT, who has been Interim Chair since January this year, following the departure of CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUES.
A broadcaster and journalist, Kaplinsky has presented national news bulletins for ITV, BBC, Sky and Channel 5 and hosted events, including Children in Need and The Royal Variety Show.
Among her leadership roles in philanthropic and commercial businesses, she has served on the Board of English National Ballet and is President of the British Board of Film Classification and Chair of its Board of Directors.
Kaplinsky is also President of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, a Global Ambassador for Save the Children and a patron of several charities.
Interim Chair Birkett said: "I’m delighted to hand the baton to an eminently qualified Chair. The school is extremely fortunate to have Natasha to champion its mission.
"With her wealth of experience, she will build strong partnerships to raise awareness of the school’s work and help further harness its power as a revered British cultural institution and a world leader in classical ballet training."
Incoming CEO Harrison said he was "thrilled" to welcome Kaplinsky.
"With her vast experience, Natasha is perfectly equipped to lead the school’s board through its next phase," he said. "I look forward to working closely with her to deliver an evolved strategy and a positive and sustainable future for the organisation, ensuring it thrives through its centenary year and beyond."
On her appointment, Kalinsky added: "It is a privilege to see first-hand the holistic approach the school takes to nurturing its students to thrive and its commitment to finding ways to widen access to classical ballet for all, both in the UK and worldwide.
"I look forward to bringing my experience to this special organisation, working with the highly dedicated and skilled board and staff to build the school’s sustainability for the next century."