He succeeds Sir Michael Graydon who is standing down after 18 years of Board level involvement with the schools’ group which bridges both the independent and state sectors.
Commenting on the appointment, Jon Coles, Group Chief Executive, said: “We are exceptionally pleased to have attracted Richard to join us as our Chairman. He brings with him a wealth of experience from a variety of sectors and an enviable understanding of education that will help steer United Learning over the next few years.
“Since 2012, Sir Michael Graydon has served the Group as an exemplary Chairman and I would like to thank him for this and for many years of dedication, commitment and loyalty to our schools. His wisdom and counsel have been greatly appreciated and it is no small thanks to him that the Group is in such a healthy position at this time.”
Richard Greenhalgh said: “United Learning has a unique track record through bridging independent schools and academies across the country. I have been thoroughly impressed in visiting some of these schools and seeing how each translates the Group’s vision of bringing out the best in everyone into the specific needs and contexts in which it operates.
Mr Greenhalgh was Chairman of Unilever UK until retiring in 2004 and is Chair of the National Centre for Universities and Business.
His current portfolio includes positions as Chairman of Surrey and Borders Partnership – a Foundation Trust for Mental Health, Chairman of Royal Voluntary Service and Chairman of British Youth Opera. He is an Emeritus Fellow of Green Templeton College Oxford.
