This follows the announcement from the current Chairman, Sir David Lees (85), that he is stepping down after nearly two decades of remarkable service to Shrewsbury in Asia. Having served on the Board of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok (Riverside Campus) since 2005, Sir David was elected as Chairman in 2016. His leadership role expanded with the founding of two new Shrewsbury International campuses in 2018, the City Campus in Bangkok and Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong. Having been centrally involved in the growth plans of Shrewsbury International Asia, it was fitting that he became the Chairman of all three campuses.

Sir David’s extraordinary portfolio of work, alongside Chairmanships of major FTSE 100 companies and the Court of the Bank of England, speaks to his remarkable global experience, his passion for education and young people and his influence in the expansion of Shrewsbury International Asia. He has led the Board with a deep knowledge of the school based on his forensic analysis of Board Papers combined with a deep personal rapport with all of the constituents. Sir David has provided support and wise advice to Shrewsbury’s Principals and the leadership of Shrewsbury International Asia.

Sir David comments: “It has been a great pleasure to enjoy almost twenty years of association with the Sophonpanich family in Thailand and the family of Bernard Chan in Hong Kong, and to witness at first hand the growth of the Shrewsbury Schools in Asia during this time. Much has been achieved since the foundation of the Shrewsbury International School Bangkok in 2003 and I look forward, in my retirement, to hearing of further achievements in the years ahead”.

He continues: “Bernard Chan is well positioned to step up from the Vice-Chair role to take on the position of Chairman. He has been a key pillar in the foundation and success of Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong to date.”

Bernard Chan comments: “Sir David Lees was instrumental to the establishment of Shrewsbury International School in Hong Kong in 2018. As the founding chair of the Board of Governors, Sir David’s experience, wisdom, and dynamic approaches have inspired my development as a Board member in the sphere of education, with oversight of our school. It is an honour to succeed Sir David and to build on the legacy of his contribution.”

The Principal of Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, Ben Keeling, comments: “It has been an immense privilege to work alongside Sir David in service of our wonderful community. His acuity and insight supported an incredibly successful launch in 2018 and have since proven critical to the navigation of the many complex challenges to have arisen over the last few years. Former Vice Chair, Bernard Chan is exceptionally well positioned to thrive as his successor and I know that we remain in very safe hands.”