Chief Executive Retires

After 17 years service, the Chief Executive of the ISTD, Michael Browne, retires on the 2nd June 2006.

Michael joined the ISTD in 1989 after serving as Bursar of Bush Davies School and having had a distinguished career in sales promotion and financial services. He joined the ISTD at a time when the organisation was in need of overhauling, both from a financial and administrative point of view.

In those days the ISTD operated out of offices at Kings Cross, London. Having successfully stabilised the business, with the help of our former Financial Controller John Drinkwater, he was able to lead the development of the Society throughout the 1990s and into the 21st Century so that the financial prosperity of the Society was secured. For example, the move to superior offices and studios at Imperial House and, of course, the wonderful new dance studios at ISTD2 would not have been possible were it not for the prudent management of Michael Browne.

The last 7 years, as we are all aware, have seen the Society undergo dramatic change as it has dealt with the impact that seeking and gaining government accreditation for its qualifications has had. It is a testament to Michael and his management skills that, not only does he leave the organisation in far healthier shape than when he joined the Society, but right up until his retirement he has continued to push the case of its teachers gaining recognition from the UK government.

The Chairman of the Society, Robert Grover, chose the ISTD Annual Dinner Dance to publicly pay tribute to Michael in his after dinner speech to guests. He thanked him for the 17 years of very valuable service and said:

“The Council of the ISTD would wish me to thank him for his commitment and guidance over the years and to wish him a very happy and healthy retirement. Thank you Michael.”

Michael can be seen above with his management team at the Dinner Dance on the 12th March. From left to right: Claire Buckley (Head of International Examinations), Jon Singleton (Head of Marketing & Publicity), Catherine Browne (Head of UK Examinations), Michael Browne (Chief Executive), Jenny French (Financial Controller), Sarah Combes (Head of Education & Training) and Cynthia Pease (Head of Customer Services & Quality Assurance)

On reflecting on his forthcoming retirement Michael said:

“I have enjoyed my 17 years at the ISTD and I will miss dealing with all the different personalities involved in such a diverse organisation. I appreciate the confidence shown in me by the Chairman and Council over the years. I am particularly proud to have built up such a great management team and thank them all for their loyalty and support. The Society has grown tremendously in the last 10 years and I believe it will continue to grow. I would like to offer everyone involved with the ISTD all my good wishes for the future.”

With the retirement of Michael approaching, the ISTD Council of Management started looking for a replacement in November 2005. Having interviewed a number of candidates they appointed Jon Singleton. Jon has been part of the senior management team in his role of Head of Marketing & Publicity for the last 10 years.

Prior to joining the Society he had worked for a dance college as well as lecturing in the Further Education sector. He also worked as a marketing consultant in the West Country and served as a committee member and, briefly, Chairman of a local dance agency. He recently completed a postgraduate in Arts Management to complement his other skills.

Jon became the Chief Executive Designate at the beginning of March so that a smooth handing over period with Michael would be possible.

On behalf of all our teachers we would like to thank Michael for all that he has done and wish him a happy retirement.