Goodenough College appointment of Rebecca Matthews to succeed Andrew Ritchie as Director in October 2018
Rebecca is currently the Managing Director of the European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017, a role she has held with great distinction for five years. Her previous roles include being the British Council’s Director for New York and Global Partnerships, Director Government Relations for the Sydney Opera House and a number of other senior management roles in cultural relations and diplomacy. Rebecca holds a MA (Distinction) in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute University of London and an MA in Modern and Mediaeval Languages from the University of Cambridge. She was awarded the Knight’s Cross Order of the Dannebrog in 2017 by HM Queen Margrethe II for services to Denmark and Danish arts and culture.
In announcing this appointment Chairman of Goodenough College Eric Tracey said:
“Rebecca was chosen from a very strong field of candidates from a wide range of business, diplomatic, military, education and academic backgrounds. Her experience of executive management and fundraising, her international outlook and her clearly demonstrated ability to mix easily with all levels of Society were key factors in our choice of Rebecca. I believe that Rebecca is someone who embraces change, is entrepreneurial in outlook but also with a strong sense of values and public service. She is a wonderful choice to lead the College forward, building on the outstanding achievements of Andrew Ritchie. We are delighted to have her on board.”
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this truly unique institution into the next exciting phase in its history,” said Rebecca Matthews. “I look forward to working with everyone at Goodenough, including staff, governors, trustees, fellows, alumni and, of course, the College members, who will be among the next generation of leaders and innovators around the world.”
In paying tribute to the achievements of Andrew Ritchie the Chairman added:
“Andrew leaves behind a magnificent legacy when he retires at the end of September 2018. It is to his vision, drive and energy that the College owes the achievement of a fully refurbished estate, a transformed balance sheet, an improved level of College activity and a completely new high quality executive team as well as having laid the foundations for greater connection with alumni, the universities and historical supporters of the College.”