GLASGOW.- The Glasgow School of Art announced the appointment of Philip Rodney, Partner and Chairman of Burness Solicitors, as the new Chairman of its Board of Governors. He will succeed leading international businessman Professor Nick Kuenssberg OBE, who stands down as Chairman in June 2010 after nine years.

Philip Rodney is one of Scotland’s leading lawyers. Specialising in media and entertainment law, product liability and dispute resolution, he brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and networks in a number of fields of strategic importance to both the GSA and the creative industries sector.

As Chairman of the GSA Board, Philip will lead a team of governors, drawn from a range of backgrounds and expertise, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the School and overseeing the Director and her senior team as they deliver the School’s strategic objectives including the redevelopment of the School’s estate, the development of international partnerships and ongoing excellence in learning, teaching and research.

Seona Reid, Director of The Glasgow School of Art said: “I am delighted that Philip has accepted the Board’s invitation to become Chairman, a worthy successor to Nick Kuenssberg, whose nine year period as Chairman, has been marked by numerous successes. I look forward to working with him as we embark on a particularly exciting period in the School’s history.

Philip Rodney, Chairman said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Chairman of The Glasgow School of Art, an institution which is very much at the heart of Glasgow and of its growth sectors of higher education, creative industries, and cultural tourism. It is an exciting moment to be taking over the reins, as the School continues its drive to further enhance its already enviable reputation as one of Europe’s leading higher education institution for creative education and research.”