RSNO appoint two new board members

Chris van der Kuyl and Mark Batho bring knowledge and experience of educational and digital sectors as Scotland’s national orchestra prepares its move to new premises in 2014

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has made two significant appointments, Chris van der Kuyl and Mark Batho, to its Board of Directors, ratified at its latest Annual General Meeting.

Currently chairman of 4J Studios Ltd, joint creator of the record-breaking video game Minecraft on XBox 360 with Mojang and Microsoft, Chris van der Kuyl is a highly experienced Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director whose expertise combines the start-up, development and market-listed business arena in the technology, media and entertainment sectors. He grew his first business, VIS entertainment plc. out of a bedroom in Dundee to become a global player in the creation of leading-edge entertainment property for computer, television and video games platforms worldwide. Until recently Chris was the Chief Executive Officer of brightsolid, one of the UK’s leading online innovators, comprising brightsolid online publishing, one of the world’s largest online family history companies, and brightsolid online technology, providing secure delivery of critical IT infrastructures. Chris is now a Strategic Adviser to the board of Dundee-based publishers DC Thomson and Co Ltd, owners of brightsolid.

Mark Batho has recently been appointed Vice-Principal of Abertay University in Dundee, responsible for strategic planning and resource allocation, and for the University’s support services. Previously Mark was Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, the national body responsible for funding teaching and learning provision, research and other activities in Scotland’s colleges, universities and other higher education institutions.

Former Head of Corporate Services for the Scottish Executive Agnes Robson and DC Thomson & Co Ltd Director Christopher Thomson left the board after serving full terms earlier this year.

RSNO Chair Dr Brian Lang welcomed the new appointments: “I would like to welcome Chris and Mark to the RSNO family. We look forward to receiving their valuable council and guidance, as the organisation further embraces the opportunities presented in the peripatetic and digital sectors. And I am delighted that my colleague Peter Shakeshaft has agreed to extend his period of service for a further year. Peter has been a stalwart member of the board as Deputy Chairman and his expertise and knowledge has driven hugely successful fundraising campaigns for the Orchestra’s new home and to raise revenue income.”