The Council of British International Schools has appointed Jim Knight as its new chair from May 2023.
Lord Knight, a former education minister who is now well-known around the world for his work in education, will replace Trevor Rowell.
COBIS said that as a former MP, minister and a current member of the House of Lords, he brought “invaluable knowledge and experience” to the organisation.
Lord Knight is a director of education events company Suklaa Ltd and he is chair of a multi-academy trust in the UK. For many years he was chief education and external officer at TES Global Ltd, where he founded the TES Institute.
He also has an interest in digital technology and AI and is a director of CenturyTech and MACAT International. He is also chair of the Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology (CAST) and on the advisory Board of BETT.
Dr Steffen Sommer, chair of the nominations committee said: “The quality of candidates was excellent – truly world class. The committee reached a unanimous decision to appoint Lord Knight, and I am looking forward to seeing COBIS continue to innovate and to thrive under his chairmanship.”
Lord Knight said: “The international school sector is growing and thriving. I am excited to be able to build on Trevor Rowell’s success in steering COBIS into being a great British success story.”
Trevor Rowell will continue to work in other roles in international education, and he will continue to support and engage with COBIS as honorary vice-president.