MOUNTVIEW WELCOMES PROFESSOR SIMON OFIELD-KERR AS NEW CHAIR

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr as the next Chair of Mountview, succeeding Dame Rosemary Squire who stepped down at the end of her three-year term.  

During her tenure as Chair, Dame Rosemary was instrumental in the appointment of Sally Ann Gritton as Principal, the expansion of Mountview’s Scholarship Fund, the launch of Mountview Exams and the introduction of CertHE Musical Theatre courses in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Exeter and Hertford. As a Patron and advocate she was also a tireless philanthropic champion for the organisation.  

Dame Rosemary Squire commented: 

“It has been a huge privilege to chair this remarkable institution as it emerged from the pandemic and fully settled into its wonderful purpose-built new home. It’s been a time of change and challenge, but I am delighted to pass the baton to Simon who is such a respected and successful HE professional with a wealth of knowledge of the creative arts.” 

Joining Mountview ahead of its 80th Birthday in 25/26, Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr is an admired figure within the higher education industry. He has enjoyed an extensive career committed to the creative arts, most recently in his position as Vice Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts. Prior to this, Simon was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of the Arts London (UAL), Vice-Chancellor at University for the Creative Arts, and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Kingston University. He is Chair of the Board at Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury and has previously been a trustee at Turner Contemporary in Margate.  

Mountview Principal Sally Ann Gritton commented: 

“Rosemary has given such incredible support to Mountview, its staff and students during her tenure and I would like to personally thank her for her wise guidance and intentional kindness. We collectively wish her well and look forward to continuing to celebrate her achievements in the industry. The appointment of Simon Ofield-Kerr as our new Chair is exceptionally exciting for us. In such a tough climate for both HE and the arts I know that Simon will bring his wealth of experience, wisdom and passion to bear in helping shape the future of Mountview, our training and our commitment to the cultural ecology of Peckham. I very much look forward to working with him as we continue to nurture emerging artists and elevate them vocationally as the next movers and shakers.” 

Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr commented: 

“I am thrilled to be joining Mountview as Chair of the Board, and look forward to supporting fellow trustees, staff and students in delivering life-changing performing arts education. I am passionate about the importance of creative and performing arts education, not just in its vital support of the performing arts sector but also as a unique form of education that enables graduates to realise their ambitions and potential in all sectors, and indeed in their day-to-day lives as creative citizens. It’s a challenging time for both higher education and the creative arts, but I have huge faith that this institution will continue to thrive.” 

Photo credit: Andi Sapey 2021