Dr Frank Douglas named as Chair Designate of Chineke! Foundation
Chineke! is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Frank Douglas as a Trustee and Chair Designate.
A globally respected leader in diversity, inclusion and human resources, Frank is the Founder and CEO of the consulting firm Caerus Executive, whose clients have ranged from music conglomerates such as Universal Music Group and Warner Music, to major institutions such as Royal Mail, Network Rail and the BBC.
Frank is the first (and still only) Black male to be the Group Human Resources Director of a FTSE 100 organisation. Most recently, he was honoured by HR Magazine for being one of the top 10 ‘Thought Leaders’ in the UK.
Prior to founding Caerus Executive, Frank was Executive Vice President, Group Human Resources Director/CHRO for Misys (now Finastra), a global technology company and was part of the executive team credited with helping to turn around that organisation. Frank is also a non-executive director and member of the remuneration and nominations committee of City and Guilds Group, as well as having served as a trustee for the Human Resources professional organisation, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), in a similar capacity.
A former semi-professional trumpet player, Frank brings with him a life-long passion for music and creative arts.
Frank will work alongside the current Acting Chair, Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp, during a two-month handover period, and will assume the role as Chair of the Chineke! Foundation on 1 February 2023.
Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, Founder and Artistic & Executive Director of Chineke!, said:
“I am so pleased that Frank Douglas is joining the Chineke! Board at this transformational moment for our organisation. Embarking on a new chapter as part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, Frank’s cross-sector knowledge and expertise will be a fantastic boost for our mission of championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music.”
Dr Frank Douglas said:
“I am honoured to join the Board of the Chineke! Foundation as Chair Designate. The mission of Chineke! is more relevant now than ever, as communities continue to wrestle with the aftershocks of an unprecedented pandemic and cultural institutions are being challenged to drive urgent conversations about diversity and inclusion. I am eager to further elevate the organisation’s profile and commitment to transform perceptions of classical music.”
Tonya Nelson, Area Director, London, Arts Council England, said:
“Dr Frank Douglas joins Chineke! Foundation at an exciting time for the organisation, as it becomes part of the Arts Council’s new National Portfolio of funded organisations for 2023-26. We know that Dr Douglas will bring considerable expertise and commitment to the role, as Chineke! expands its work, continues to champion change and celebrate diversity in classical music.”