Meridian Trust appoints David Ruddy as new Chair of Trustees
Meridian Trust’s Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed David Ruddy as its new Chair. He brings more than 22 years’ experience with the Trust, alongside extensive leadership experience in education and industry.
David has worked alongside Meridian Trust colleagues and schools in various capacities since 2004. His career spans strategic leadership, business, further education and partnership development, giving him a strong understanding of both the Trust and the wider education and business landscape.
He began his career as an apprentice mechanical engineer before spending more than 35 years in the motor and luxury boat industries, where he progressed through a range of roles to senior executive positions with multinational companies.
David then spent 15 years in further education, including as Executive Director for Growth and Strategic Partnerships at West Suffolk College. He recently retired from his work as an independent business consultant, board advisor, chair and non-executive director, helping organisations identify strategic opportunities and achieve operational and strategic goals.
David is also the former Chair of Gateway Qualifications, an awarding organisation specialising in credit-based learning. His long-standing connection with Swavesey Village College includes serving as a governor from 2004 to 2014, with six years as Chair.
David said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at Meridian Trust. Having worked with colleagues across the Trust for more than two decades, I have seen first-hand their commitment to providing excellent education and opportunities for children and young people in our communities.”
“I look forward to working with fellow trustees, colleagues, pupils, families and our wider communities as Meridian Trust continues to develop, building on the strong foundations already in place and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to achieve their potential in all our academies.”
Meridian Trust CEO Mark Woods said: “We are delighted to welcome David as our new Chair of Trustees. His extensive experience and long-standing relationship with Meridian Trust make him exceptionally well placed to lead our Board.”
“David has a deep understanding of our organisation and the communities we serve, and I know he shares our ambition to provide the very best opportunities for every pupil. We look forward to working with him as the Trust continues to grow and develop.”
David succeeds Shirley Jamieson, who has stepped down as Chair of Trustees after 20 years of helping shape and guide Meridian Trust.
David added: “I would also like to recognise Shirley’s outstanding contribution to Meridian Trust over the past 20 years. Her leadership, commitment and dedication have helped shape the Trust into the organisation it is today, and I look forward to building on that legacy.”
Mark Bedlow was also appointed Vice Chair of Trustees. He joined the Trust’s Audit Committee as an independent member in 2013 before becoming a Trustee in 2022. Since then, he has chaired both the Audit and Risk Committee and the Finance and Resources Committee.