New Chair at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) has named MICHAEL PLAUT OBE Chair.

He succeeds JOHN DERRICK, who will step down following six years in post.

Plaut is a Welsh business entrepreneur with experience shaping public policy and providing advisory services to governments in both Westminster and Cardiff. Initially beginning his career as an investment banker in London, he eventually returned to Wales to run a business. 

He chaired Building a More Prosperous Wales, a report for the UK Government on the Welsh economy. 

Alongside Plaut, two newly appointed directors will join the board in August. Chief Executive and Artistic Director of National Youth Orchestra SARAH ALEXANDER OBE is being appointed alongside RWCMD Head of Guitar Performance HELEN SANDERSON.

Alexander spent many years leading the education department at Welsh National Opera, while Sanderson has an international performing career centred on chamber music and founded music education charity Guitar Circus. 

Derrick commented: “This is an exciting new chapter with a major new building in Cardiff to develop, and Michael is well placed to assist with the next stage of growth, embracing the inclusivity and focus on life-long learning that the Conservatoire embodies.

“Sarah Alexander and Helen Sanderson will further reinforce the depth and experience of this first class and experienced board to work under Helena's leadership to be ambitious and reach new heights.”

“As a creative industries powerhouse, Wales – small but mighty – is an international magnet with immense natural resources of talent,” Plaut added.

“I believe this is an organisation with the potential to truly make change, to transform lives and connect communities, and I am looking forward to leading it into its 75th birthday year and beyond.”