The Governing Board of Ecolint is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Conrad Hughes as Director General, to succeed David Hawley, who will leave Ecolint at the end of the school year to lead the Lycée Français de New York.
Conrad is currently the Campus and Secondary School Principal at La Grande Boissière. In the past, he has held positions at Ecolint as Director of Education, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, and interim Principal for the Primary and Middle Schools at Campus des Nations and La Grande Boissière.
Conrad previously taught in schools in India, the Netherlands and France. He is a senior fellow of UNESCO's International Bureau of Education, a research assistant with the University of Geneva, he sits on the education board of the University of the People and teaches philosophy. He holds two doctorates and has published four books and several academic articles on education. Conrad is South African and British, and speaks both English and French fluently. He is married to Estelle who is a former Ecolint teacher and they have two children who are Ecolint alumni.
The Search Committee of the Governing Board worked with the recruitment firm LSC Education to drive a probing and comprehensive recruitment process. Of the forty qualified applications received for the position, the Search Committee eventually shortlisted four candidates who were invited to spend three days at Ecolint in late November visiting our schools, meeting with dedicated groups of stakeholders including Staff, Parents, Students, Alumni and attending a final interview panel with members of the Governing Board.
The Board was impressed by Conrad’s extensive leadership experience, inspiring student-centred teaching and learning philosophy and the unique innovation-driven influence he has had globally in international education. Having been at Ecolint for the past 16 years, Conrad has a profound knowledge of its distinctive history and culture which will undoubtedly help in establishing strong, positive connections and trust throughout the community. Conrad has a strong personal alignment with Ecolint’s founding principles and mission, with a steadfast commitment to Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism.
The Board is convinced that Conrad will continue to position Ecolint at the forefront of educational excellence and innovation.
Commenting on his appointment, Conrad said:
“It is an honour to serve the Ecolint community as Director General. As the world's first international school, let us combine forces to shape a future based on the principles of inclusivity, peace and sustainability. It is with gratitude and humility that I pledge to work at your side so that every student's experience in this magnificent Foundation is intellectually stimulating, culturally enriching and socially transformative. We are Ecolint, we are one.”
This appointment is effective 1 July 2023. Over the next 6 months, David Hawley and Conrad Hughes remain in their current roles and will work together on a smooth and effective transition whilst we launch a search process for a new Campus and Secondary Principal at La Grande Boissière. During the month of January, Conrad will assume the role of interim Director General to cover for David who will be on a leave of absence.
Please join me in congratulating Conrad on his appointment and a special thank you to all of you who participated in and supported the recruitment process.
René Bujard
Governing Board Chairperson