UWC Atlantic College appoints Director of Operations and Sustainability

UWC Atlantic College is at the heart of a powerful global movement and at the vanguard of progressive education worldwide. Through its global network of 18 schools and colleges, of which Atlantic College was the original, the UWC Movement is dedicated to making education a force for uniting people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. The College serves around 360 students, aged 16-19, who travel from over 90 countries to live, study and learn together on a stunning campus in South Wales. Students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and an outdoor-orientated experiential education over two years.

With Naheed Bardai having arrived at the College in the Summer of 2021 as the new Principal, a strategic planning process is underway in which sustainability – both environmental and financial - will be reaffirmed as a core part of the College’s objectives. The Director of Operations and Sustainability is a newly formulated role on the leadership team and will provide strategic vision and leadership to all business-related aspects of the College. Keeping a laser focus on operational and service excellence, they will apply the lens of sustainability to all of the College’s operational activities. In doing so, they will not only support the development and outcomes of all UWC Atlantic students, but they will also futureproof the prosperity of the College.

Society conducted a broad search for individuals with proven strategic leadership of complex operations and experience stewarding organisations toward environmental and financial sustainability.

David Emery emerged as the strongest candidate following a competitive selection process. David is an experienced operational and strategic leader with broad exposure as both an executive and a non-executive. His most recent positions have been in the office equipment space, however earlier in his career he founded and led an award-winning renewable energy business. David grew up in St Donat’s and so the College played a key role in his childhood. He also boasts two UWC Atlantic alumni in his immediate family. 

We wish David every success in his new role!