Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Marc Bolland

Marc Bolland (born 28 March 1959) is a businessman renowned for his extensive leadership in the and consumer goods sectors, having served as of Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC from September 2006 to December 2009 and of Group plc from May 2010 to April 2016. Born in , , Bolland earned an MBA from the before joining as a graduate trainee in 1987, where he advanced through international management positions, including Managing Director of Heineken Slovensko from 1995 to 1998, Managing Director of Heineken Export Group Worldwide from 1999 to 2001, Executive Board Member from 2001 to 2006, and Chief Operating Officer from 2005 to 2006. During his tenure at , he gained experience in challenging markets, such as turning around a state-owned brewery in the and operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At , Bolland oversaw significant expansion and integration efforts following the acquisition of , strengthening the company's position in the UK supermarket market. He then led through a strategic turnaround, emphasizing improvements in , homeware, and divisions amid competitive pressures. Since 2016, Bolland has held senior roles at , including Head of European Portfolio Operations from September 2016 to January 2022, Chairman of Blackstone Europe from January 2022 to December 2023, and Senior Adviser at Blackstone Group International Partners LLP since January 2024. Bolland has been a director on several high-profile boards, including since 2015, Exor N.V., Inc. from 2004 to 2015, and International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. from 2016 to 2020. From October 2018 to August 2020, he acted as Lead Non-Executive Director at the UK Department for International Development. Beyond corporate leadership, Bolland is committed to social initiatives; he founded The Movement to Work in 2012, which has provided over 200,000 work experience and job opportunities to young people facing barriers as of 2023, and co-founded The Learning Passport in 2016 to support education for disadvantaged youth, which has reached over 10 million children and young people as of 2025. He also serves as of and as a Trustee of the Royal Academy of Arts.

Early life and education

Early life

Marc Bolland was born on 28 March 1959 in , a town in the located about 60 miles southeast of . He grew up as the younger of two sons in a family with Dutch roots, alongside his older brother Martin. His father, Jan Bolland, who was 90 years old in 2010, had spent his own childhood in during its period as a Dutch colony, instilling a cosmopolitan perspective in the family that would later influence Bolland's international career outlook. Details of Bolland's childhood experiences in remain limited in public records, though the town's provincial setting provided a stable environment prior to his transition to university studies in .

Education

Marc Bolland, originating from the , attended the , a prominent institution in his home country, where he focused on advanced studies in . He graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in the early 1980s, equipping him with essential management skills for an international career. Prior to his MBA, Bolland earned a from Hotelschool The Hague, which provided initial training in hospitality and operational management. At the , his coursework emphasized core principles of business strategy and organizational leadership, offering early exposure to concepts in and that would shape his professional trajectory in multinational environments. This academic foundation, completed just before joining Heineken as a graduate trainee in 1987, highlighted Bolland's preparation for roles requiring analytical and strategic acumen in consumer goods sectors.

Professional career

Heineken

Marc Bolland joined N.V. in 1987 as a management trainee following his MBA from the , beginning his career in various marketing and sales management positions in the . Over the next several years, he held international roles, including work in the and as Managing Director of Heineken Slovensko in from 1995 to 1998, where he oversaw operations in . In 1999, Bolland advanced to Managing Director of Export Group Worldwide, a responsible for a global distributor network, managing export operations across multiple regions until 2001. That year, he joined Heineken's Executive Board, taking on responsibilities for , the , , Northern Africa, and , which involved driving international expansion and coordinating management efforts in the and abroad. His tenure on the board from 2001 to 2006 emphasized operational oversight and strategic growth in diverse markets. Bolland was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2005, a role he held until July 2006, during which he managed Heineken's , , and executive-level functions. Key achievements included improvements to the and enhancements to , building on his extensive experience in international management to support the company's worldwide expansion. These efforts contributed to Heineken's across its international portfolio.

Morrisons

Marc Bolland was appointed chief executive of Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc in September 2006, succeeding Bob Stott after a period of leadership transition following the retirement of founder Sir Ken Morrison. With no prior experience, Bolland drew on his operational expertise from nearly two decades at to stabilize the company, which was still recovering from the disruptive 2004 acquisition of . His tenure emphasized and efficiency in the UK grocery sector, where held a strong position in fresh food production and . Key initiatives under Bolland included significant enhancements to leverage ' manufacturing capabilities, particularly in fresh produce and own-label items, which differentiated the retailer from competitors focused on non-food categories. He accelerated store expansions, identifying over 100 potential sites for new and convenience formats to broaden reach, while addressing the post-Safeway by streamlining operations and divesting underperforming assets. In 2009, Bolland completed the acquisition of 38 stores from and , bolstering ' presence in without pursuing larger hostile bids. Financial performance improved steadily during Bolland's leadership, with annual turnover rising from £12.1 billion for the year ended January 2006 to £15.4 billion by the year ended 2010, driven by like-for-like growth averaging around 5-6% annually. Pre-tax profits also climbed, reaching £655 million in the year to 2009, reflecting cost savings from investments and robust demand for fresh and value products amid economic pressures. Like-for-like excluding increased by 7.9% in that period, underscoring the effectiveness of Bolland's focus on core grocery strengths. Bolland departed in January 2010, earlier than initially planned, to assume the chief executive role at , motivated by the opportunity to tackle broader retail challenges across food and general merchandise. His exit left the company in a stronger position, with chairman Sir Ian Gibson temporarily leading until a successor was appointed.

Marks & Spencer

Marc Bolland was appointed Chief Executive of (M&S) in May 2010, succeeding during a challenging period marked by declining like-for-like sales amid the global financial recession. In the years leading up to his arrival, M&S had experienced significant sales drops, including a 7.1% decline in like-for-like sales over the period of 2008 and a 4.2% fall in early , reflecting broader high-street struggles. Bolland, bringing expertise from his prior role at , focused on revitalizing the retailer's diverse operations in food, clothing, and homeware. Under Bolland's leadership, M&S pursued major transformation initiatives to modernize the business and enhance customer appeal. He expanded the existing Plan A sustainability program, originally launched in 2007, to 180 commitments by 2015, aiming to make M&S the world's most sustainable major retailer; by 2012, this had delivered £185 million in net benefits through cost savings and efficiency gains, with an additional £145 million reinvested from sustainable practices in 2014 alone. The company also invested heavily in store refits and refurbishments, including revamping layouts and supply chain efficiencies, which contributed to a stronger balance sheet despite increased capital expenditure. To drive digital growth, Bolland boosted online sales through e-commerce enhancements, such as personalization initiatives and targeted campaigns, aiming to capture more of the 19 million annual in-store customers online by 2014. Despite these efforts, Bolland faced persistent challenges, particularly in the sector, where sales slumps eroded progress. General merchandise, including and , saw 14 consecutive quarters of like-for-like declines by late 2015, with a notable 5.8% drop during the 2014-2015 holiday season attributed to unseasonably warm weather and availability issues. Financial results reflected these struggles, with underlying pre-tax falling for the third consecutive year to £623 million in 2014, prompting Bolland to forgo his performance-related bonus. While the food division thrived—benefiting from Bolland's grocery background—the arm continued to lose , highlighting ongoing issues with product appeal and pricing. Bolland departed as CEO in April 2016 after six years, leaving a mixed legacy of operational improvements and financial stability in food and international segments, contrasted by unresolved challenges that hampered overall recovery. His tenure strengthened M&S's credentials and presence but underscored the difficulties in reviving the retailer's core amid shifting preferences.

Blackstone

In September 2016, Marc Bolland joined as Senior Operating Partner and Head of European Portfolio Operations for its business. In this role, he was tasked with driving growth and adding value to 's portfolio companies across , leveraging his extensive experience in retail leadership from to enhance operational oversight. Bolland's responsibilities include overseeing the operational performance of portfolio companies throughout , focusing on improvements in , strategic , and value creation initiatives. He has contributed to portfolio expansions by advising on investments and operational strategies, particularly in sectors such as and consumer goods, where his prior CEO roles informed targeted enhancements. As of 2025, Bolland continues in a senior capacity at , serving as Chairman of and Chairman of Blackstone Group International Partners LLP, while also acting as a Senior Advisor to support ongoing European operations.

Philanthropy and other activities

Movement to Work

In 2013, while serving as chief executive of , Marc Bolland founded Movement to Work (MtW), a aimed at addressing in the . The initiative was inspired by the 2011 riots in , where Bolland personally visited affected areas and witnessed the disillusionment among young people amid high rates, which were four times the national average at the time. This experience prompted him to create a collaborative effort to provide work opportunities for those facing barriers to . Movement to Work operates as a registered charitable incorporated organization (charity number 1160325) structured as a not-for-profit of employers, working in with departments, providers, and youth organizations. Its primary focus is on young people aged 16 to 30 who are not in , employment, or (NEET), offering them high-quality, fully funded work placements, vocational , and employability support to break the cycle of "no experience, no job." The provides employers with free resources, including dedicated account management, best-practice tools, networking events, and impact measurement, enabling businesses to integrate these opportunities into their strategies without cost. Under Bolland's ongoing leadership as founder and chairman, Movement to Work has achieved significant scale, delivering over 200,000 opportunities by 2023, including work placements linked to potential jobs. These initiatives have demonstrated strong outcomes, with 89% of participants in 2022 progressing to , , or , contributing to broader reductions in and enhanced . The charity collaborates with prominent employers such as and , alongside others like , , and , to ensure diverse opportunities across sectors including , , and . Bolland's commitment extends beyond founding, as he continues to guide the organization's strategic direction and expansion goals.

Learning Passport

Bolland co-founded The Learning Passport in 2019, a digital platform developed in partnership with to provide accessible and skills development for disadvantaged youth in humanitarian and low-resource settings. The initiative aims to bridge educational gaps by offering free, mobile-friendly courses in languages including , English, , and , focusing on vocational skills, , and . As of 2024, it has reached over 9.8 million learners across 45 countries, supporting UNICEF's mission to ensure every child completes . Bolland serves as Founding Chair of its Leadership Council, guiding strategy and fundraising.

Board positions and affiliations

Marc Bolland serves as Non-Executive Chairman of Polymateria Ltd, a UK-based company focused on developing biodegradable plastic technologies to address plastic pollution. In this role, he provides strategic guidance on sustainability initiatives, leveraging his experience in consumer goods to support the company's innovation in environmentally friendly materials. His appointment as Chairman occurred in July 2020 during a funding round led by Planet First Partners. Bolland was a on the board of Exor N.V., the investment holding company controlled by the , until his term expired at the annual general meeting on May 22, 2025. During his tenure, which began prior to 2021, he contributed to the Compensation and Nominating Committee, offering insights into global consumer trends and portfolio operations informed by his background. He previously served as a Director of from April 2015 until his retirement effective August 2024, as announced in July 2024. In this capacity, Bolland advised on international strategy and consumer engagement, drawing from his retail leadership experience. Beyond corporate boards, Bolland holds affiliations in the non-profit sector. He has been a Vice President of since 2012, supporting advocacy for and serving as Founding Chair of its Council to enhance governance and fundraising efforts. Additionally, he is a of the Royal Academy Trust (formerly Royal Academy Development Trust), associated with the Royal Academy of Arts, where he contributes to cultural and educational initiatives. Bolland was elected Vice Chairman of the Consumer Goods Forum in 2014, a position in which he promoted collaborative efforts on and issues among global retailers and manufacturers.

References

  1. [1]
    How a smooth Dutchman found the right image for Morrisons
    Dec 11, 2008 · Marc Bolland ; Born. Apeldoorn, Netherlands, March 1959 ; Education. MBA, University of Groningen ; Career. Joined Heineken from university as ...
  2. [2]
    [PDF] Marc Bolland | The Coca-Cola Company
    Bolland started his career at Heineken N.V. in the Netherlands in 1987, serving in several international management positions including Managing Director of ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  3. [3]
    High-flying Dutchman makes it to the top | Marc Bolland
    Nov 18, 2009 · He was born in Apeldoorn and studied business administration and economics at Groningen University before joining Heineken as a graduate trainee ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Marc Bolland | Keynote Speaker | AAE Speakers Bureau
    Jun 5, 2025 · Marc Bolland is the Head of Blackstone European Portfolio Operations and Chairman of The Blackstone Group International Partners LLP.
  5. [5]
    Marc Bolland — Greenwood Place
    From 2010 to 2016, he served as CEO of Marks & Spencer, and before that, from 2006 to 2010, he led Morrisons as its CEO.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Marc Bolland - GOV.UK
    Biography. Marc Bolland was the Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for International Development from October 2018 to August 2020. Marc has extensive ...
  7. [7]
    Interview: Marks & Spencer chief Marc Bolland | This is Money
    Nov 28, 2010 · Just how do you ask Marc Bolland, the new chief executive of Marks ... He was born in 1959, in the Dutch town of Apeldoorn, 60 miles ...
  8. [8]
    Marc Bolland and David Weinberg Elected to The Coca-Cola ...
    Dec 11, 2014 · Originally from the Netherlands, he received a bachelor's degree from the Hotelschool The Hague, and then obtained an honors degree and an MBA ...
  9. [9]
    Marc Bolland: Positions, Relations and Network - MarketScreener
    Mr. Bolland received an MBA from the University of Groningen and an undergraduate degree from Hotelschool The Hague. Latest news about Marc Bolland ...
  10. [10]
    In-depth profile of new Marks and Spencer boss Marc Bolland
    Nov 18, 2009 · Just before landing the plum M&S job, Marc Bolland told MT how he's worked his magic at Morrisons. ... 1959 Born 20 March, Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
  11. [11]
    [PDF] Manpower Inc. Names Marc J. Bolland to Board of Directors
    Bolland holds a master's degree in business studies from Groningen University in The. Netherlands, and holds additional management certifications from The ...
  12. [12]
    [PDF] MARC BOLLAND - EXOR
    Marc Bolland was born in the Netherlands in 1959 and graduated with an MBA from the University of. Groningen in the Netherlands.
  13. [13]
    Bolland's baptism by fire | News - The Grocer
    Aug 18, 2006 · However, he had a strong track record running Heineken's extensive global operations, and particularly for his role improving its marketing and ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  14. [14]
    Marc Bolland | Hicons - Hotelschool The Hague
    ... Bolland started his career at Heineken N.V. in the Netherlands in 1987, serving in several international management positions including Managing Director of ...
  15. [15]
    Bolland appointed Morrisons CEO | News - The Grocer
    Jun 8, 2006 · The supermarket group said that Bolland, who has worked at Heineken for 20 years, would take up his new role on 1 September, replacing Bob Stott ...
  16. [16]
    WM Morrison chief executive Marc Bolland on how he has ...
    Jul 4, 2009 · I found this supply chain a real point of difference with other retailers who are more focused on non-food. We prepare 1,700 lines of fresh ...Missing: initiatives expansions
  17. [17]
    Morrisons heads for the high street after chain's profits and sales soar
    Mar 12, 2009 · ... expansion. Marc Bolland, chief executive, said the group had identified more than 100 locations for new stores and had halted a £1bn share ...Missing: initiatives | Show results with:initiatives
  18. [18]
    In the spotlight – Marc Bolland's move to M&S - Just Food
    Nov 18, 2009 · Bolland recently completed the acquisition of 38 Co-operative and Somerfield stores and in the first-half of the year Morrisons also opened 19 ...Missing: takeover | Show results with:takeover
  19. [19]
    Morrisons | Culture Wikia - Fandom
    Following Marc Bolland's departure to become the CEO of Marks & Spencer in December 2009, Dalton Philips was appointed in a surprise move as his replacement in ...
  20. [20]
    Preliminary results for the year ended 1st February 2009
    Mar 12, 2009 · Financial summary. · Turnover up 12% to £14.5bn (2007/8: £13.0bn). · Like for like sales (ex fuel) up 7.9% (2007/8: 4.6%).Missing: 2006 | Show results with:2006
  21. [21]
    Morrisons announces immediate departure of Marc Bolland
    Dec 4, 2009 · Chairman Ian Gibson takes control of senior management until a successor is found after Bolland was appointed chief executive of Marks and ...
  22. [22]
    M&S says new boss to be Morrison's Marc Bolland - Reuters
    Nov 18, 2009 · Morrison said Bolland would leave at the end of January and M&S's Rose told BBC radio he probably wouldn't start until late spring, although ...
  23. [23]
    Rose unveils his final M&S profits before checking out - The Guardian
    May 25, 2010 · Rose admitted his "record on profits over the last few years is not very good", but that he was "unrepentant" and was handing over M&S in better ...
  24. [24]
    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/dec/04/morrisons-announce-departure-marc-bolland
  25. [25]
    Marks & Spencer Lifts British Retail - Bloomberg.com
    Apr 1, 2009 · For the 13 weeks to 27 December, M&S delivered UK like-for-like sales down by 7.1 per cent, with general merchandise falling by 8.9 per cent and ...
  26. [26]
    M&S upbeat as sales exceed City expectations | Marks & Spencer
    Mar 31, 2009 · Shares in the company jumped by more than 11% this morning to 293.75p after it said like-for-like sales in the UK were down 4.2% in the 13 weeks ...Missing: 2010 | Show results with:2010
  27. [27]
    Fixing Marks & Spencer - BBC News
    Nov 4, 2014 · In June the retailer announced sales on marksandspencer.com were down a stomach lurching 8%. ... Mr Bolland took over M&S in 2009, external and ...
  28. [28]
    Marks and Spencer's Emerging Business Case for Sustainability
    Jul 13, 2012 · The company, says Marc Bolland, CEO, can “demonstrate a strong business case for sustainability, with £185m in net benefits from Plan A made ...
  29. [29]
    So how DID Marks & Spencer gain £145 million from sustainable ...
    Sep 2, 2014 · Launch of a Global Community Programme to increase the scale of the social, environmental and economic benefits of supply chain Plan A projects;Missing: profit | Show results with:profit
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Plan A Report 2013 | Marks & Spencer
    The launch of Plan A in 2007 and its expansion in 2010 addressed the social and environmental impacts of a retail business that has operated in largely the same ...
  31. [31]
    M&S chief plans to make his mark with store revamp ...
    Increasing the rate of overseas expansion, saving money in its supply chain and revamping various labels are among the new initiatives. As well as changing the ...
  32. [32]
    Marks & Spencer chief leaves mixed legacy after six years at the helm
    Jan 7, 2016 · When Marc Bolland steps down in April he will leave the retailer's balance sheet stronger than he found it – but fashion woes remain.
  33. [33]
    M&S promises personalisation push to boost online sales
    May 20, 2015 · Speaking on a conference call this morning (20 May), CEO Marc Bolland said there has been a “clear turnaround” with the retailer constantly ...
  34. [34]
    Marks & Spencer targets 19 million customers in online drive
    May 3, 2014 · Marks & Spencer, Britain's biggest clothing retailer, launched a new online push on Thursday, targeting the 19 million customers a year who shop in its UK ...Missing: initiatives | Show results with:initiatives
  35. [35]
    Timeline: M&S under Marc Bolland - Drapers
    Jan 7, 2016 · M&S chief executive Marc Bolland is to retire in April and will be succeeded by Steve Rowe, who is currently executive director of general ...
  36. [36]
    M&S boss Marc Bolland steps down amid falling clothing sales
    Jan 7, 2016 · Mr Bolland said his departure was part of a five year succession strategy and that he had talked about a timeline with chairman Robert Swannell ...
  37. [37]
    Marks & Spencer missed sales targets leaves chief Marc Bolland on ...
    May 20, 2014 · Bonuses ruled out as retailer reports third year of falling profits, with disappointments in clothing range, IT and global sector.
  38. [38]
    M&S profits dip for third year as retailer fails to reach sales target
    May 20, 2014 · Chief executive Marc Bolland defends 4% fall in profits to £623m saying group is now in a stronger position after investment programme.Missing: £145 million
  39. [39]
    Marks and Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland to quit - BBC News
    Jan 7, 2016 · Marks and Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland is to step down in April, the company says, as it announces its Christmas results.Missing: acquisitions | Show results with:acquisitions
  40. [40]
    Bolland's exit shows M&S's clothing sales problem - Bloomberg
    Jan 7, 2016 · Bolland's big failure was in not reviving clothing sales, which are still, for all the success of the retailer's food operation, at the heart of ...Missing: April mixed legacy struggles
  41. [41]
    Analysis: Marc Bolland's successes and failures as M&S boss
    Jan 7, 2016 · Marc Bolland is stepping down as boss of M&S in April after six years at the helm. Retail Week looks back at his key milestones.
  42. [42]
    Marc Bolland leaves M&S with a conflicted legacy
    Jan 7, 2016 · Today the retailer announced that Bolland is planning to retire in April. Bolland's legacy is one of extremes. He has totally failed to reverse ...Missing: mixed | Show results with:mixed
  43. [43]
    Blackstone Appoints Marc Bolland as Head of European Portfolio ...
    Jul 5, 2016 · Blackstone (NYSE:BX) announces the appointment of Marc Bolland as Head of European Portfolio Operations of its private equity businesses.Missing: responsibilities | Show results with:responsibilities<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Blackstone Hires Ex-M&S CEO for Europe Portfolio Operations
    Jul 5, 2016 · Marc Bolland, the former chief executive officer of Marks & Spencer Group Plc, will join Blackstone Group LP to lead its private equity ...
  45. [45]
    Ex M&S chief joins Blackstone - Private Equity International
    Bolland has joined The Blackstone Group as head of European portfolio operations in its private equity business, according to a statement from the firm. He is ...
  46. [46]
    https://www.blackstone.com/news/press/blackstone-appoints-marc-bolland-as-head-of-european-portfolio-operations/
  47. [47]
    10 Years of Movement to Work
    10 years ago, whilst CEO of Marks & Spencer, Marc Bolland kickstarted a Movement of businesses, civil servants and charity leaders committed to helping ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
  48. [48]
    MOVEMENT TO WORK - 1160325 - Charity Commission
    The object of the CIO is the relief of unemployment for the public benefit in such ways as may be thought fit, including assistance to find employment.
  49. [49]
    The Movement - Movement to Work
    Movement to Work is a voluntary collaboration of UK employers committed to tackling youth unemployment through provision of high quality vocational training and ...
  50. [50]
    https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1160325&subid=0
  51. [51]
    Marc Bolland is the Founder of Movement to Work.
    Marc began his working life at Heineken N.V and served as Chief Operating Officer. He led the turnaround of WM Morrison Supermarkets plc as CEO and joined Marks ...Missing: career progression roles
  52. [52]
    Our people - Polymateria Ltd
    Our people ; Lee Davy-Martin. Founder & Chairman ; Jonathan Sieff. Founder & Board Member ; Marc Bolland. Board Member ; Frédéric de Mévius. Board Member ; Sugandhi ...
  53. [53]
    [PDF] PFP Invests £15 Million into Polymateria who Expand Board to ...
    Jul 21, 2020 · Marc Bolland, former Marks & Spencer CEO, joins the company as Chairman. Marc won the accolade of World Sustainable Retailer of the year ...
  54. [54]
    Exor Shareholders Approve All Resolutions at AGM
    May 22, 2025 · Shareholders approved to appoint ING Chairman Karl Guha as a non-executive director ... Marc Bolland whose term expired after today's AGM.
  55. [55]
    New appointments in Exor's committees, composed of independent ...
    May 27, 2021 · Marc Bolland joins as Chair the Compensation and Nominating Committee, which also consists of Joseph Bae and Melissa Bethell.Missing: Non- Executive
  56. [56]
    The Coca-Cola Company Announces Retirements of Three Directors
    Jul 23, 2024 · Bolland has been a director of The Coca‑Cola Company since 2015. He serves as senior advisor to Blackstone Group International Partners LLP ( ...Missing: positions affiliations
  57. [57]
    Vice Presidents - UNICEF UK
    Marc Bolland is Head of European Portfolio Operations of private equity businesses at Blackstone. He was previously Chief Executive of M&S and has been involved ...
  58. [58]
    [PDF] unicef 2024 annual report
    Jun 23, 2025 · UNICEF UK Vice-Presidents ... As Founding Chair of the Council, UNICEF. UK Vice President Marc Bolland is supporting strong governance and growth ...
  59. [59]
    [PDF] Royal Academy Development Trust - Charity Commission
    Secretary & Chief Executive of The Royal Academy of Arts - Charles Saumarez Smith CBE. Petr Aven. Brooke Brown Barzun. Marc Bolland. Sir David Cannadine FBA.