Originally from the UK, Andrew has worked, taught and consulted in Europe, Australia, the US and Middle East. Starting his career in Human Resources he worked for Marriott, delivering and designing leadership develop programmes for their expanding network of hotels. He then focussed on developing ‘competencies’ as a coach and consultant with McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group for clients including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Marks and Spencer, UBS, Barclays, stretching from pharmaceutical, banking, consulting and education sectors.
Andrew developed a long association with the Chicago based Center of High Performance (www.CenterforHighPerformance.com), with whom he still advises. CfHP carried out the world’s largest study of what creates a ‘High Performance Environment at work’, regardless of sector, seniority or geography. This research underpins Arts International today.
Having led the HR function at one of the largest groups of private schools, introducing competencies to recruit, select and develop educators, he supported the opening of 17 schools in the Middle East, Turkey and Europe. On a visit to a new school in the UAE, he was shown a new professional theatre and was asked ‘ What do we do with this?’. That question led to the introduction of dedicated performing arts schools in the UAE and to the launch of Arts International. It became clear that by developing the competencies of Confidence, Creativity, Collaboration and Compassion in students, they would be better prepared for university and to take up roles in the professions or with leading employers. Whether at school or at work training in the performing arts is the most effective way to develop the behaviours needed to create and sustain high performance.
Andrew holds Masters degrees in Human Resource Management and Organisational Change and a Doctorate which explored the psychological impact of change at work. He has a grown up son, Harry and lives between Europe and the Middle East.
