Jonathan Badyal – current Trafalgar Strategy partner and former Universal Music UK director of communications – has today (June 19) been announced as a new member of the Manchester United Foundation’s Board Of Trustees.
Alongside football, Manchester United Foundation offers opportunities to young people across various sectors, with the aim of developing prospects and employability through partnership work within sports, tech, medical, media, retail and, crucially here, music industries.
Alongside Professor Saul Becker, head of the faculty of health and education at Manchester Metropolitan University, Badyal was voted on the board in March and has been hailed for “bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the Foundation.”
Led by Collette Roche, chair of trustees and chief operating officer of Manchester United, the Foundation board met the newest members at Old Trafford yesterday.
Much of my career has been focused on the arts and creative industries, so I'm looking forward to working with the team to see how some of these learnings can be applied to the Manchester United Foundation’s work
Jonathan Badyal
In his current role as a partner at Trafalgar Strategy, Badyal advises CEOs and world-renowned creatives on communications, reputation and strategy. He previously spent eight years at Universal Music, latterly as director of communications for the UK business, and five years advising the UK Government’s Culture & Digital Minister on policy and communications, where he developed a passion for widening access for young people to creative industries.
Badyal is also a Senior Adviser to the executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde, Deputy Chair of the Black Country Living Museum and Interim Chair at the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
Speaking on his new appointment, Jonathan said: “As a lifelong Manchester United fan I have admired the work of the Foundation from afar. One thing that has been a constant and passionate focus of mine during my career is supporting young people and improving life chances, so to be able to support the life-changing work the Foundation delivers is truly an honour and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
He continued: “The Foundation’s values strongly align with my own in terms of nurturing ambition and creativity, and offering opportunities to young people of all backgrounds. Much of my career has been focused on the arts and creative industries, so I am looking forward to working with the team to see how some of these learnings can be applied to the Manchester United Foundation’s work.”
Collette Roche said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jonathan and Saul to Manchester United Foundation. Not only do they bring to the board a wealth of experience and expertise, but a dedicated passion for improving the lives of young people. It is important that we continue to evolve as an organisation and I’m sure they will offer an invaluable new perspective to the governance and future of the Foundation.”
The Manchester United Foundation board is responsible for governance of the club’s associated charity; you can see the full list of trustees here.
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