Tonbridge School welcomes Will May as its Chief Operating Officer

Will May has been appointed as Tonbridge School’s Chief Operating Officer.

Currently Commercial Director at the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, Will is an experienced senior executive with commercial, operations and project management expertise gained from working for the UK Government and across various industries in the private sector.

In his new role, Will’s focus will be on supporting the Headmaster and Senior Team in achieving the School’s strategic vision. He also has responsibility for the management and delivery of support services.

His role includes oversight of the School’s estate, and of capital works; delivery of operational services to ensure the day-to-day running of the School; management of IT service delivery, and community engagement.

He will be working closely with the School’s Finance Director and Company Secretary, Jane Fentiman, to implement financial strategy and planning. Jane is also joining the Senior Team.

Will is starting at Tonbridge in June and will be completing his handover from Susan Meikle, the School’s Bursar, by the end of the Summer Term.

“I grew up in the local area so I already knew Tonbridge quite well,” Will said. “It’s appealing to have the opportunity to work for such an outstanding School and one that has a positive impact on the community I live in.

“I have been very impressed by the people I have met so far. Everyone, from the staff and pupils to the Governors, has shown immense pride in the School, which is always a great sign.”

Will is also looking forward to the opportunity to build upon what he calls the School’s “many strengths”. “Tonbridge’s track record of academic, sporting and cultural excellence speaks for itself, and I’ve noticed a strong emphasis among staff and boys on serving our community,” he said.

“I’m also excited to learn more about Tonbridge’s relationship with The New Beacon School in Sevenoaks, following their recent merger, and the partnerships enjoyed with other schools in the Skinners’ family. While I have not worked in a school before, I know there is something unique and special about this one, and can’t wait to immerse myself in the Tonbridge culture.”

Will attended Cranbrook School and The King’s School, Canterbury, before reading English Literature at the University of Leeds. He graduated in 2004 and joined Accenture as a Management Consultant, where he helped advise various blue chip companies including BP, Shell and ICI.

His career includes a spell in Kenya, where he worked on a major oilfield development project and was responsible for negotiating commercial agreements, managing supply chain operations and engaging with the local community.

In 2018, Will returned to the UK and joined the Civil Service as Deputy Director, Commercial Strategy and Assurance at the Cabinet Office. His focus was on major Government contracts and wider commercial strategy during a particularly dynamic time. He was promoted to his role as Commercial Director, Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, in January 2022.

Married with two children and a keen sports fan and player, he lists reading, travelling and music as among his interests.

In welcoming Will to Tonbridge, James Priory, Headmaster, said: “I have been impressed by the strategic and commercial experience Will offers, and am excited by the energy and creativity he brings to this important new role for the School.

“I look forward to us working together to sustain all that makes Tonbridge such an outstanding school and powerful contributor to the wider community.”

Will is pictured above, in the Cawthorn building, and below with James Priory.