Board of Governors
Our board of governors comprises experienced specialists with significant knowledge across various sectors.
AA Faruki (Appi) is a very successful entrepreneur who, upon recognising the growth potential, has transformed the Victoria College of Arts and Design into a prestigious educational institution with an ever-expanding national campus footprint. Appi's commitment to fostering learning and opening various educational establishments has solidified his reputation as a dynamic young leader. He is a results-driven chief executive officer with over nine years of experience leading and increasing growth in small and medium businesses and turning them into sustainable, profit-oriented, successful companies. In addition, he is a very compassionate, person-orientated leader who cares for this staff and the organisation's students. Appi is firmly committed to co-leadership with a team and focuses on a 'bottom-up' approach to ensure colleagues' voices are considered during the critical decision-making process. With a passionate commitment to Victoria College of Arts and Design, playing its role in the community, and supporting opportunities and initiatives to improve the life chances of people striving for changes in their lives via education, he is playing a significant transformational role in the UK private higher education sector.
AG has been involved in education for nearly 40 years and has master’s degrees from two international universities. He has been engaged in TNE and online courses since 1988 with Sony Language Laboratory, Tokyo, for eight years before heading the English Departments of two Japanese universities. He has taught in America, France, Germany, Italy, and Asian countries before returning to the UK. AG joined Victoria College of Arts and Design over six years ago and has been part of the development team as Principal and then Director of Partnership Development. AG is constantly working on turning Planet Education Networks into a global player in TNE and bringing education to areas where people find it challenging to attend FE or HE courses. Education is a life changer and should be open to the majority, not the minority.
