GOVERNANCE

Paul Sabapathy, CVO CBE, is a distinguished leader with a remarkable career in business, healthcare, and higher education. Born in Chennai, he was educated at Lawrence School, Lovedale, and Madras Christian College, before moving to the UK for his Master's at Aston University. Paul became ICI's first non-white management trainee, held senior roles at IMI plc over 28 years, and later served as Chief Executive and Chairman in the NHS. His contributions to urban regeneration earned him an OBE in 1995.

Throughout his career, Paul has been a trailblazer, serving as the first non-white President of Walsall Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Birmingham City University. In 2004, he received a CBE for his impact on higher education and business. Deeply rooted in Tamil values, he believes in hard work, integrity, and the importance of education. As a Patron of the British Carnatic Choir, he is thrilled to support Carnatic music in enriching the UK’s cultural landscape.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Ken Wood, brings over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, specializing in the Charitable and Public Sectors. Known for his fresh approach, he values recruiting diverse talent from outside traditional sectors. His dual perspective enables him to empathize with both clients and applicants, allowing him to match talent effectively and creatively beyond standard job descriptions.

Currently serving as a Birmingham City Councillor with a focus on Housing and Homelessness, Cllr Wood has also held roles such as Non-Executive Director at a respected building consultancy. He is actively interested in applying his expertise to additional NED roles.

Sri Neyveli Santhanagopalan is an acclaimed senior musician celebrated for his dedication to traditional Carnatic music. A recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, he is known for his deeply devotional and emotive performances that elevate music as a spiritual and philosophical pursuit. Alongside his vocal expertise, Sri Santhanagopalan is a respected musicologist, with extensive research that enhances his unique approach to classicism. He is also proficient in playing the veena and percussion instruments, demonstrating exceptional skill in rhythm (laya) exposition.

Hailing from a culturally rich family, he began his musical journey under the guidance of his mother, Smt. Jayalakshmi Ammal, and was later trained by eminent gurus including Sri Chembai C.S. Ananthamani Bhagavathar and Sri Srirangam R. Ranganathan. His musical prowess was further refined under the rigorous mentorship of Madurai Sri T.N. Seshagopalan, which has positioned him as a leading figure in Carnatic music today.