Business West managing director Phil Smith is to become the next chair of governors of City of Bristol College.
Phil will succeed Peter Rilett, who comes to the end of his eight-year tenure in July.
Phil’s appointment comes as the college, which offers more than 1,000 courses from entry to degree level to 12,000-plus students each year, finalises its new, ambitious strategy and mission.
Describing the strategy as a roadmap for the future, the college, which also employs around 800 staff, said it set the course for continued growth, academic achievement and community engagement.
The college said Phil, who has an MBA from the London Business School and the University of California, would bring a wealth of experience along with a proven track record in the business world. As such, he was also uniquely placed to inform it on the skills that businesses are looking for.
Phil, pictured, right, with Peter Rilett, has been managing director of Business West – the region’s largest business group and the organisation behind Bristol Chamber of Commerce – since 2003.
He began his career with US multinational Halliburton as an offshore engineer in the oil industry, later moving on to mergers and acquisitions in the City of London.
He moved to Bristol in 1995 as CEO of the Business Link provider in the West of England.
Phil said: “I am honoured and excited to join City of Bristol College as the chair of governors. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team of educators, staff and students as we work together to achieve the college’s vision and goals.
“The launch of the new strategy and mission marks a significant moment and I am eager to contribute to the college’s continued success using my regional and strategic knowledge.
“I look forward to collaborating with the college community in achieving our shared goals.”
The college said as chair of its board of governors, Peter had played a pivotal role in steering the college to achieve various milestones over the years.
He would also leave a legacy with the achievement of financial stability and an Ofsted ‘good’ rating – both achieved in the past year.
City of Bristol College principal and CEO Julia Gray said: “On behalf of colleagues, students and stakeholders, I offer my sincere thanks to Peter, who has given freely of his time to lead the governance of the college through the peaks and troughs of the past eight years.
“Peter’s impact on our institution has been profound, and I am grateful for the foundation he has laid and the support that he has provided to me personally in my first year as CEO.
“I look forward to working with Phil and I am delighted to have him leading our board.
“His expertise and vision will be instrumental in steering the college into its next chapter.”
Peter Rilett said it had been “a real privilege” to serve the college and support the Bristol communities.
“I am confident that the chair role will be in safe hands, and wish Phil and the college every success for the future.”
