Our Trustee Board
Having become a registered charity in 2009, Newcastle University Students' Union is required to have a board of trustees in place. The trustees ensure NUSU is meeting the legal and financial requirements, whilst also providing guidance and structure for future strategies and decision-making. Our board of trustees consists of six Full-time Sabbatical Officers (elected by you), two appointed students and four external members, chosen based on their level of experience, knowledge and skills.
David Miller
David studied Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University from 1974 to 1978. He has recently taken early retirement after 40 years in business. David has spent his career in the engineering field of manufacturing, contracting and consultancy both in the UK and international, most of this in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and rail sectors. Along with his engineering skills he has project and programme management experience and has led businesses in a senior management capacity for the last 27 years.
Sarah Winship
Sarah studied Business, Accounting and Finance at Newcastle University from 2002-2006 and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant. She spent 13 years at PwC working in their London, New York and Sydney offices, working on mergers and acquisitions and listings on the stock exchange. She is now a consultant in the travel industry based in London. Sarah is also a member of the International Advisory Board for the Newcastle University Business School.
Adrian Drewett
Adrian spent 23 years with Shell in seven countries across three continents, becoming Chairman and Chief Executive of Shell Gabon (West Central Africa). He holds a PhD in Geodesy from Newcastle University, is a magistrate in the criminal and family courts and a Governor of Haileybury.
Adrian was the first sabbatical Athletic Union President at NUSU in 1984/5.
Sohail Shaikh
Sohail is a highly experienced International Retailer with 20+ years working for a best-in-class global retail business. Sohail has travelled extensively in his career to 50+ countries and as Managing Director of International Franchise for Mothercare PLC is accountable for Global Retail Sales of £700m. Sohail has great memories of his time at Newcastle University where he completed a BA (Hons) in Economics & Accounting in 1994 and stays close to the University as a member of the International Advisory Board of the Newcastle University Business School.
Ian Kitchen
Ian hails from Alnwick and grew up in Zambia and Zimbabwe; he is a graduate of Newcastle University (Combined Studies - 1997 to 2000), and served as the President (Communications Officer then) of the Union Society in 2000-2001, following in the footsteps of both his Aunt (Lady President – Jean Scott) and grandfather (Robert Kitchen). He is a Freeman of the City of Newcastle.
His professional life has seen him delivering complex projects across multiple sectors in Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa. It has been an incredible challenge, and whilst it may not be the well-trodden path, it has been an opportunity to experience the great diversity of people, cultures, and ways of working that exist outside the UK. He currently lives and works in the United Arab Emirates with his wife and daughter.
Ali Zuhad
(Student Trustee). Ali is studying BA Hons Business Management at NUBS, having joined in 2019 as an undergraduate. He has been an active member of NUSU since he began his studies. He undertook the roles of Campaigns Representative at Student Council in 1st Year, International Students Officer in 2nd year and Student Trustee and Campaigns Representative once again in 3rd year while being a founding member and Treasurer of Entrepreneurship Society. He has been a key member in SVCs working towards betterment of student experience in his course and overall NUBS environment. Over the years Ali has been nominated for multiple awards ranging from Course Rep of the Year twice, Change Maker of the Year and many other.
Rao Muhammad Karam
(Student Trustee). Rao Muhammad Karam is studying BSc Hons Marketing and Management at NUBS having joined in 2019 as an undergraduate. He has been an active member of the NUSU. He undertook the roles of President of the Newcastle University Business Society and Student Trustee. He also volunteered for the NHS in the middle of the pandemic to assist people and NHS in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Not only this, Rao is also working towards NCL+ Award and NCL+ Advanced Award in Leadership and Career Preparation.