TKAT has announced that Russell Hobby CBE has been appointed as its new CEO with effect from 1 September 2025. He succeeds Dr Karen Roberts, who has been CEO since September 2013.
Russell is an experienced leader in the field of education, having been CEO of Teach First since 2017 and prior to that was the General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers.
Gaenor Bagley, chair of TKAT, said:
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Russell to TKAT. We are extremely grateful for all that Karen has done for TKAT. Under her tenure, the Trust has made enormous progress in raising the quality of education in its 45 schools and has developed a strong culture of working together to ensure that disadvantage should never be a barrier to any child achieving their potential at school. She leaves the Trust in excellent health with a strong foundation for Russell to use his passion for education to take the Trust to the next level.”
With regard to the appointment, Russell said:
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead The Kemnal Academies Trust. The Trust’s commitment to ensuring children of all backgrounds achieve their potential resonates with my own values. This role can bring me even closer to what truly matters: improving outcomes for young people. A Trust of TKAT’s scale can make a significant impact in areas that connect with my vision for education, focussing on leadership quality, recruitment of the best talent, curricular and extra-curricular excellence, and community engagement—all of which can be transformative for young people.”
Karen added:
“I wish Russell and team TKAT every success as they look forward to the next, exciting, phase of their journey.”