Stevie Spring CBE is appointed as the new Chairman of the organisation.

The British Council has announced the appointment of Stevie Spring CBE as its new Chairman. She succeeds Christopher Rodrigues, who served from 2016 to May 2019.

Stevie brings considerable international commercial and financial board experience to the British Council. She graduated in law and, after roles in marketing, television, and international advertising, became Chief Executive of two international media companies where she led on digital transformation. She has Chaired two technology companies and has direct experience of both joint ventures and partnerships.

Stevie is now a portfolio director and investor with a particular interest in ‘profit with purpose’. She serves on the Co-op Group Board and has extensive charity sector experience, including Arts and Business and chairing the Groundwork Federation, BBC Children in Need, and now Mind, the mental health charity. Named as one of Britain’s 500 most influential people and one of the UK’s 100 most connected women, she was awarded the CBE in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Stevie says: “It is a privilege to be joining the team at the British Council. I am really looking forward to supporting and championing colleagues around the world who are changing lives by creating opportunities and building connections between people in the UK and the rest of the world.”

British Council Chief Executive Sir Ciarán Devane says: “Stevie will be a dynamic ambassador for the British Council in the UK and overseas, at a critical time for our cultural relations with other countries. Her extensive leadership experience combined with a longstanding commitment to working with young people through arts, education and culture, plus her understanding and alignment with our values and mission, and the new energy she will bring to the organisation make her an outstanding choice. I am looking forward to working closely with her.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says: “I’m delighted that Stevie Spring will bring her impressive leadership skills and business acumen to the British Council at a crucial time for our country. The British Council has a vital role to play in projecting Global Britain as we seize the opportunities of Brexit and strengthen ties with countries all around the world.”