University of Westminster Court of Governors appoints new independent governors

The Court of Governors is the University’s governing body, and it approves the University’s long-term objectives and strategies as well as providing overall financial and organisational control. The Court comprises 12 independent non-executive governors, three colleague governors, two student governors; and two ex-officio governors including the Vice-Chancellor and President, and the senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Governors are also directors of the University in its status as a company and trustees of the University in its status as a charity.

One of the newly appointed independent governors is Tom Toumazis who joined the Court on 1 August 2023. Toumazis graduated from London South Bank University with a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies. He has worked in the media and entertainment industry since 1983.

He has experience running small and large businesses, from start-ups to businesses employing over 7,500 people. Toumazis has worked for a number of leading media companies, including ITV, Bauer Radio (formally Emap), The Walt Disney Company, Endemol, Yahoo and Mecom plc. He is now a portfolio director, investor and advisor, focused on technology, media and the arts. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Performing Rights Society for Music, Directors UK, Chair of Product Earth, Global Senior Advisor TMT at AlixPartners as well as a Trustee for the NSPCC. 

On his appointment Toumazis said: “I’m so delighted to have been selected to join the Court of Governors. My time at the University (Polytechnic) defined the direction of my career. I want to do whatever I can to support the leadership team, the Court and our amazing students that come to us at such an important time in their life and career journey.”

From 1 December 2023, Tom will be joined on the Court by Ayo Ajayi and Shehma Shabbir.
Ayo Ajayi is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and has successfully delivered cost management services across a range of complex and prestigious projects in the Residential and Commercial sectors during his 15 years in the Industry. Ajayi has worked extensively across Europe delivering schemes for the largest digital and tech companies. He has also worked with public sector and private developers on regeneration schemes that provide innovative design solutions and frameworks to help shape the spaces we use today. Passionate about nurturing future talent, Ajayi engages as a Mayor of London Infrastructure Advisory Board member, RICS APC Assessor, Chair of The Land Collective's Advisory Board, and founding member of The Property Development Book Club, championing successful careers in the built environment.

Ajayi said about his appointment: "I am truly honoured to have been appointed as a governor for the University of Westminster. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University's rich and diverse academic community and its commitment to shaping future generations of leaders and thinkers."

Shehma Shabbir is an Assistant Director at UK Government Investments and is part of a team responsible for ensuring the effective governance and stewardship of Government arm’s length bodies and advising His Majesty's Government on major corporate finance matters. Her role involves creating value for society from the Government's most complex commercial interests, which has significant social, economic and political impact. Shehma began her career in Corporate Banking at Lloyds Banking Group and has worked in various roles including debt restructuring, mid-market lending and finance business partnering. She joined the Civil Service in 2018 and worked at the Cabinet Office in Strategic Finance. She moved to the Department for Transport in 2020.  

Shabbir said about her appointment: “Education was my escapism. It opened up opportunities and helped me build a better life for myself. I have a strong personal connection and passion for the University’s mission of helping students and colleagues from different backgrounds fulfil their potential. Everyone should have fair access to education, and I am eager to work with the Court of Governors to ensure the University continues to create a positive culture and teaching experience - one that provides the students with the confidence, knowledge and skills to thrive not only during their studies but also after university life in their personal career journey.”

Chair of the Court of Governors, Professor Lynne Berry, welcomes these new members to the Court. She said: “The success of any university depends on having strong governance, and we are privileged at the University of Westminster to have a history of attracting many committed people who have brought their judgement and skills to our Court. I'm very excited to welcome three new governors, Tom, Ayo and Shehma. It's clear they share our values, our vision and our mission to change lives. I know we'll benefit as each of them adds their expertise to our governing body and as they support us in making the world a more sustainable, healthy, happy and equitable place.”

Learn more about the University of Westminster’s Court of Governors.