The British Council has appointed Scott McDonald as its chief executive. He will take up the role at the charity for cultural relations and educational opportunities on 1 September.
McDonald joins the British Council from his current positions as chief executive and president of the global management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman Group, and vice-chairman of professional services firm Marsh McLennan.
The council’s interim chief executive, Kate Ewart-Biggs, will move into the role of deputy chief executive.
In an announcement released yesterday, the British Council said McDonald would provide strategic direction to the charity as it sought to build connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas.
Stevie Spring, chairman of the British Council, said she was delighted to welcome McDonald to the organisation.
“[McDonald’s] extensive global experience, impressive track record, inclusive management style and passion for culture and education are exactly what we need to steer the organisation through this post Covid-19 period and beyond,” Spring added.
Commenting on the announcement, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “The British Council is a vital soft power asset for the UK. Its leadership matters, and I’m delighted that Scott McDonald will become the Council’s new CEO.
“I look forward to working with him to further the British Council’s ongoing success in promoting Global Britain.”
McDonald said it was a “huge privilege” to join the British Council at what he described as an important moment in the charity’s history.
“I am looking forward to working with the passionate colleagues who work so hard to deliver the best of the UK’s cultural and educational opportunities around the world.
“The UK has the ability to make enormous contributions to the world and the British Council is a critical part of ensuring a strong future global role for the UK.”