Gavin Darby has taken up the reins as Chair of the board of trustees at The Howard Partnership Trust (THPT).

Gavin is an experienced business leader, having held senior roles spanning FMCG and telecoms across Europe, the US, Africa, India and China. He most recently served as President of the Food and Drink Federation and Chief Executive of Premier Foods plc.

Gavin began his career in sales and marketing at Spillers Foods, before moving to SC Johnson. During a fifteen-year stint at Coca-Cola, he rose to lead the business first in Northwest Europe and later across Central and Eastern Europe. He subsequently headed Vodafone UK and went on to hold senior international roles across APAC and EMEA.

“During my years in business, I’ve seen how important it is that young people enter the workplace with the right skills, character and mindset,” said Gavin. “I’m excited about joining the team of trustees at THPT to play my part in helping us achieve our mission of delivering life-changing education to our young people.”

As well as his extensive business experience, Gavin has previous experience of chairing a board of trustees. In 2000, he became Chair of The Felix Project, a fast-growing food redistribution charity in London. He subsequently served as Chair of its successor charity, Felix London.  Today, Gavin continues to support the charity as Vice Chair.

Louise Lee, CEO of THPT, said: “Like everyone in education, we live in a world where change is the new constant. Gavin’s extensive experience in both business and charity will help us become a more agile and effective operation, making it easier for us to adjust, respond to and influence the changing world around us. We are excited about the support and challenge he will bring to the Trust.”

Like all multi-academy trusts, THPT is governed by a board of trustees who are collectively responsible for the Trust’s strategic direction and for holding the executive team to account. Trustees are volunteers from a range of different backgrounds. They give their time to support and challenge the Trust’s leadership.

THPT is a values-driven Trust, committed to delivering life-changing education.