Board

OF

Governors

Learn from Design and Business Experts

The Academy is run by fashion professionals, not simply academic teachers, and it is highly focused on professional excellence. Our staff are among the best in their field, professionally within fashion, and pedagogically within education.

Simon is a senior leader in UK creative arts higher education; he has more than 20 years of experience in academic and university leadership. He has held senior positions including Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts and the University for the Creative Arts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of the Arts London, and Executive Dean at Kingston University. 

Neil Bath is an experienced football development professional who spent more than 30 years at Chelsea Football Club, joining in 1993 and leaving in 2024.During his time at Chelsea, he held senior roles including Academy Manager, Head of Youth Development and, most recently, Director of Football Development and Operations. He played a key role in developing young players and supporting the progression of academy talent into professional football.

Simon is a senior leader in UK creative arts higher education; he has more than 20 years of experience in academic and university leadership. He has held senior positions including Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts and the University for the Creative Arts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of the Arts London, and Executive Dean at Kingston University. 

Neil Bath is an experienced football development professional who spent more than 30 years at Chelsea Football Club, joining in 1993 and leaving in 2024.During his time at Chelsea, he held senior roles including Academy Manager, Head of Youth Development and, most recently, Director of Football Development and Operations. He played a key role in developing young players and supporting the progression of academy talent into professional football.

Mandhir Gill is a senior higher education quality assurance leader with particular expertise in academic governance, regulatory compliance and institutional enhancement. An academic background in Computer Science and Engineering underpins the analytical rigour and strategic judgement he brings to safeguarding academic standards and improving student outcomes across UK higher education.

As Head of Quality Assurance at Brunel University of London, Mandhir leads the design and delivery of robust quality frameworks, programme approval, external examining and regulatory compliance. His work strengthens institutional credibility and drives continuous improvement. He has held senior quality roles across several institutions, where he has contributed to successful accreditations, curriculum development and sector recognition. 



A committed advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and a certified Mental Health First Aider, Mandhir champions inclusive, student-centred education and sees wellbeing as integral to academic excellence. 

A British fashion designer, entrepreneur and founder of the Karen Millen fashion brand, she established the business in 1981 and grew it into an internationally recognised fashion company before leaving in 2004. She was awarded an OBE for services to the retail industry and has since been involved in entrepreneurship, interior design, brand consulting and charitable initiatives.

An entrepreneur, adventurer and co-founder of Shackleton, a company inspired by the legacy of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Before entering the adventure and performance apparel sector, he worked as a derivatives trader and held senior roles in sales and management. At Shackleton, he has helped build a business combining high-performance clothing, expedition experiences and leadership programmes, with a focus on resilience, exploration and courageous leadership.

Ian Holdcroft is an experienced education and business professional with a strong background in leadership and governance. He has also served as a member of the Board of Governors at Fulham Boys School, contributing to the school’s leadership and development. 

Neil Bath is an experienced football development professional who spent more than 30 years at Chelsea Football Club, joining in 1993 and leaving in 2024.During his time at Chelsea, he held senior roles including Academy Manager, Head of Youth Development and, most recently, Director of Football Development and Operations. He played a key role in developing young players and supporting the progression of academy talent into professional football.