UWC Red Cross Nordic is pleased to announce that Guđmundur Hegner Jónsson will become the College’s next Rektor, starting in August 2018.

Guđmundur was selected from an exceptionally strong field of applicants. Icelandic in origin he brings a broad international experience within education and management.

On his appointment, Guđmundur said:

I am truly delighted and humbled to have been offered the position as Rektor of UWC Red Cross Nordic, and I am very much looking forward to visiting again and to establishing myself on campus together with my family. It will be an honour to lead such an inspirational school and to be part of the wider UWC and Red Cross movement whose aspirational values I fully share.

Originally from Dalvík, Iceland, Guđmundur was educated at University College London (UCL) and the University of Sheffield in archaeological science, subsequently directing research excavations on Viking age and Medieval settlements. Together with his wife, Katarina and two children, Aleksandar (12) and Petra (7), he currently lives in the United Arab Emirates working for Brighton College Al Ain. Previously he has worked in international schools in China, Serbia, and Italy. Guđmundur is passionate about the student voice and the role that critical thinking plays in furthering democracy and citizenship and has taught Theory of Knowledge, Geography, Music and Critical Thinking, mostly within the IB framework. He also brings a love of music, having studied at the Reykjavik Academy and the Royal Academy of Music, London as a vocalist. He has always involved himself in the musical life of his schools.

The Chair of the Board, Kristin Vinje, is delighted with the outcome of a thorough process:

We very much would like to welcome Guđmundur to take on this trusted role as Rektor at UWC Red Cross Nordic after 6 successful years with Richard Lamont. I am convinced he is the right person for this position; to nurture the remarkable qualities of the College and to implement innovative ways to keep us relevant to the UWC and Red Cross values. The ties from Fjaler to Iceland are deep, and we are excited about the prospect of a Nordic internationalist at the helm.