Tom Sleigh appointed next Chair of Goldsmiths' Council

Goldsmiths has appointed its next Chair of Council with the role going to the current Chair of the board which oversees the Barbican Centre, one of Europe’s leading arts venues. 

Tom Sleigh will bring extensive experience of the arts and corporate sectors when he takes up the position at Goldsmiths in September 2024.  

Tom has served for four years as the Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board, which is responsible for oversight of the celebrated institution and architectural icon. 

His achievements during this time include helping the Barbican navigate the pandemic and securing funding for the first stage of the Barbican Renewal programme to revitalise the Centre for the next generations of creatives.  

Tom also represents the ward of Bishopsgate in the Square Mile and sits on the City of London Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee, its Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, and its Finance Committee. Professionally, Tom is Group Corporate Affairs Director at The Bank of London. 

Tom said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to have been appointed Chair of Council at Goldsmiths. The College has a deserved reputation for the contributions it makes to higher education and the creative sector more widely, and despite manifest challenges in the sector I see so much opportunity ahead. I very much look forward to getting to know colleagues across the College as I come into post next year.” 

Goldsmiths' Council is our senior governing body, with strategic oversight of the College’s management and accountability to sector regulators, external auditors and other stakeholders.  

Following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process, Tom’s nomination as Chair of Council was formally approved by Council at its meeting in November 2023. He is set to take over the role from Dinah Caine CBE on 1 September 2024, after Dinah ends her second and final term as Chair this academic year. 

Dinah said: “As I near the end of my time at Goldsmiths, it gives me great pleasure to know that such an accomplished and dynamic person will be taking on this important role at a crucial time for Goldsmiths and higher education in general. I have every confidence that his contributions will be of huge benefit to the College in the years to come.” 

Professor Frances Corner, Warden of Goldsmiths, said: “We’re delighted that Tom will join Goldsmiths in this critical role next year. I know his energy, leadership experience, and passion for the arts and education will be enormous assets to us as we move forwards.”