Luke Johnson

Luke Johnson is RSA’s new chairman

Luke Johnson has been appointed chair of the RSA for 2009, taking over from Gerry Acher on 1 April. Johnson has been chairman of Channel 4 Television since 2004 and principal of private equity firm Risk Capital Partners since 2000. He was previously responsible for the expansion of the Pizza Express chain and now owns several businesses, including Giraffe restaurants and teacher recruitment company Synarbor.

“The RSA has an outstanding team, a remarkable heritage and a fantastic resource in its Fellows,” said Johnson. “I believe it has a vital role to play in stimulating enterprises of every dimension.”

A former governor of the University of the Arts London, he is also an experienced journalist. “Luke is well known for the quality of his ideas and his entrepreneurial zeal,” said Matthew Taylor, RSA chief executive. “I look forward to working with him as we take the RSA forward.” Taylor added, “It’s been fantastic working with Gerry – I could not imagine a wiser and more supportive chair to guide me through my first two years here.”