This week, the council of RADA revealed that Marcus Ryder MBE will be taking over the role of chair next month when Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, in post since 2007, steps down.
Award-winning Ryder is a longtime campaigner for increased diversity and representation in the media.
He has more than 25 years' experience in the sector including at the BBC, as chair of the Royal Television Society diversity committee, and as trustee at the Press Pad Charitable Foundation. More recently, he has been appointed to the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.
High on his to-do list will be the recruitment of Edward Kemp's replacement; the director leaves RADA shortly.
Ryder said, “I am both honoured and excited to take up the position of Chair of RADA Council. RADA is undoubtedly one of the most important arts institutions in the country with a long and illustrious history of excellence. I look forward to building on its innumerable successes and working with some of the best practitioners, educators, students in the world who collectively help shape the future of Britain’s creative industries.
"I also recognise the very real challenges facing all arts institutions in the UK due to COVID-19, the work needed to create equitable and inclusive institutions, and the role RADA should play in a changing cultural landscape. I look forward to playing my part in making sure RADA not only meets these challenges but continues to be a global leader.”
In January, RADA launched a decolonising committee and reviewed fees in a bid for a more diverse intake.