David Thomas – Chairman of the Board since 2008

David Thomas was educated in the UK, Europe and North America and gained a BA (Hons) in Western European Politics and Languages. He developed his career in a series of Business Development roles in leading multinational companies in the London area. He joined ACS International Schools in 1999 as Executive Assistant to the Chairman and has been involved with all aspects of managing Board administration and governance at ACS. He has extensive experience of HR practices in ACS, including the recruitment of new Board members and other senior appointments. He became a member of the Board in May 2008 and has led the Board in formulating an ongoing self-evaluation programme. He was appointed Chairman of the Board in November 2008 and will lead the Board in their strategic work towards the realisation of the ACS Vision.

ACS International Schools is guided by a Board of independent, non-executive directors, with a wealth of international and UK experience in a wide range of areas including education, finance, and law. The Board supports the development and day-to-day operations of the schools.

Ram Gossain – Director since 2000

Ram Gossain began his working life as a member of the Indian Diplomatic Service. Through his foreign postings, which included China, he forged a truly global perspective that has subsequently helped establish the ACS ethos. Mr. Gossain joined ACS in 1973, working in a number of senior roles within the Finance Department, culminating in heading up the department for 17 years.  He has contributed significantly to the organisation’s outstanding growth and now, after retirement, his knowledge and experience continues to help ACS maintain its financial stability.

Jill Rutherford – Director since 2005

Dr. Jill Rutherford is a leading International Baccalaureate (IB) expert, with over 25 years teaching experience within international and UK schools. Dr. Rutherford holds two degrees from Oxford University and was the first Director of the IB Diploma at Oakham School, England (2000-2005).  Previous positions have included Vice-Chair of the IBO Examining Board, and the IB Environmental Systems Chief Examiner. As a pre-eminent educationalist, Dr. Rutherford’s expertise and experience will help support ACS’s continued growth and development in educational excellence.

Kathy Harvey

Kathy was born in Arizona and has lived and worked in England since 1994. She has Masters Degrees in Higher Education Administration (Michigan State) and Human Resources Economics (Utah). Kathy is currently a Consultant to Duke Corporate Education. From 2004-2008, she was Chief Operating Officer for their London office. Prior to this, Kathy was Chief Administration Officer at Nomura International London and previously held senior roles in Goldman Sachs and Bankers Trust. Kathy has extensive experience in HR, finance and strategy formulation.

Janet Magee

Janet has been a member of our community since joining ACS as Managing Director in 2004. Janet led ACS successfully through a period of change and transformation, increasing investment in student learning, our people and facilities and growing enrolment to record levels. Janet's direct knowledge of ACS, together with her varied career expertise will be an asset to the Board. Janet has an Honours degree in Business Studies and an MBA from Nottingham Business School. An in depth knowledge and understanding of our schools and of our operating environment ensure Janet is well equipped to contribute to the work of our Board.

Piers White MBE

Piers has an Honours degree in Economics and Statistics from Exeter University, and an MBA from Henley Management College. He is an experienced Non Executive Director with extensive board and business experience. Since 2001 Piers has served as a Non Executive Director of the Ordnance Survey, and was recently awarded an MBE for his service. Most recently, he held the post of Chief Executive Officer of Insinger de Beaufort. Piers is a Non Executive Director of CIPFA Business Ltd, Croydon Economic Development Company, and is also a school governor. He has extensive experience of strategy formulation, governance and risk management.