John Whitgift Foundation appoints new CEO

The John Whitgift Foundation has announced the appointment of its new permanent Chief Executive, Roisha Hughes CBE. Roisha joins the Foundation after two decades of public service. Roisha grew up in Croydon and now lives in the borough with her family.

Roisha began her career in the civil service at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, including working on London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. She ran the Mayor of London’s office for eight years from 2008, as the city navigated the challenges and opportunities of that period.

In 2016 Roisha joined the Metropolitan Police as Director of Strategy and Governance. For the past two years Roisha has been working as a consultant. She is also a Trustee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Roisha grew up in Croydon before studying modern and medieval languages at the University of Cambridge. She later returned home to Croydon to raise her children.

Christopher Houlding, Chair of the Foundation said “I am excited that we have been able to find in Roisha a highly skilled public servant, a warm and engaging leader and a passionate champion for Croydon.”

Roisha Hughes said “I am really looking forward to leading The John Whitgift Foundation through the next and significant phase in its development. I am delighted to be taking on this important role in my home town and I will ensure the Foundation continues to deliver on John Whitgift’s vision over 400 years ago: to care for and educate the people of Croydon.”

Roisha will take up her post later this autumn.