City orchestra announces key board appointments
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has announced the appointment of Sir Mark Grundy, CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, as the newest member of the CBSO Board of Trustees.
In addition, Jane Fielding and Gurpreet Bhatia, who have served as trustees, have been appointed as deputy chairs of the board.
Sir Mark Grundy brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to the CBSO Board. He has been at the helm of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust since 2007, after previously serving as the Principal of Shireland Collegiate Academy, the Trust’s founding school.
With a distinguished career in education, he has played a pivotal role as an advisor to the West Midlands Regional Schools Commissioner and was knighted in 2006 for his contributions to education and technology.
Sir Mark’s passion for creating outstanding educational environments is matched by his dedication to ensuring that “nothing less than outstanding is acceptable”.
Jane Fielding, who served as a partner at the international law firm Gowling WLG LLP until her retirement in June 2023, brings extensive legal expertise to her role as deputy chair.
For 13 years, she led the firm’s UK Employment, Labour & Equalities team, overseeing critical advice to clients and the firm itself across their Birmingham and London offices.
Jane’s deep connection to music, from singing alto in her school choir to playing the oboe, started from a young age when she grew up in Worcester next door to the former CBSO leader, Felix Kok.
As well as her role as Trustee for HR, Jane is a member of the Remuneration & Nominations Committee, chairs the CBSO Group Stakeholder Pension Management Committee and is the Boards’ Health & Safety champion.
Gurpreet Bhatia, a solicitor and managing partner at Harbans Singh & Co, specialising in commercial and residential conveyancing, immigration, nationality, and citizenship, brings over 23 years of legal expertise to his new role as deputy chair.
Beyond his legal practice, he is deeply committed to community service, serving as a deputy lieutenant of the West Midlands and a Trustee on several boards. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Gurpreet is also a Sandwell Business Ambassador, passionately advocating for the local community.
Tony Hall, Baron Hall of Birkenhead CBE, CBSO chair, said: "These appointments bring top-tier expertise and experience to our already strong board, ensuring we are well-positioned for the future.
“The addition of Sir Mark, alongside Jane and Gurpreet’s expanded leadership roles, will help to strengthen our governance and secure the continued success and sustainability of the CBSO.
“Their combined knowledge and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to drive our mission of enriching the cultural landscape of Birmingham and meet the needs of modern society.”
Emma Stenning, chief executive of the CBSO, added: "The addition of Sir Mark and the leadership of Jane and Gurpreet mark an exciting new chapter for the CBSO.
“The expertise they bring will be key as we embark on a journey to bring the arts to a broader, more diverse audience. We are excited about the future and confident that their leadership will help us shape the CBSO into an orchestra that is not only world-class but also relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the communities we serve.”
