Meet the OPs Committee
The Old Princethorpians Committee is going from strength to strength. The Committee has recently welcomed some new members and now numbers 20 with additional support from key Foundation staff.
The committee comprised of past pupils from across the decades and associated schools of the Foundation, former parents, form and current longstanding members of staff and representatives from the current Sixth Form student body.
Image Caption: OP Committee Meeting, 14 January 2025
Back Row (L-R): Alex Darkes, Peter Rollason, Steve Kowal, Tom Gleghorn, Grove du Toit, James Davies, Ed Hester, Nick Brosnan, Eddie Tolcher
Front Row (L-R): Nigel Bromley, Chris Cattle, Libby Williams, Lottie Jones, Laura Brazier, Toni Reszka, Caroline Spencer
The Committee meets three times a year and conducts its business over a very pleasant supper in the new Sixth Form Centre.
If you would be interested in attending a committee meeting or possibly joining the committee, please contact the OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler by emailing Old Princethorpians.
The Committee’s raison d’etre is as follows, to:
- Act as link between past and current pupils, their parents and former staff
- Keep in touch with past pupils and facilitate their friendships and networking opportunities
- Celebrate the achievements of alumni
- Involve alumni with the life of the College through events, communications, careers, philanthropy and fundraising
- Uphold the ethos of the school and promote its interests
The work of the OP Committee is underpinned and directed by these foundational pillars:
- Communications, Connectivity and Inclusivity
- Careers, Networking and Volunteering
- Engagement, Events and Hospitality
- Philanthropy and Development
- OP Leadership and Responsibilities
James Davies
[ITEM_ROLE]
School Connection:
Pupil – Princethorpe College (1992 – 1995)
OP Committee Focus:
Chairperson
Philanthropy and Development
What are some of your favourite memories of your time at school?
Although my time at Princethorpe was fairly short, it was an important time for me personally. It was a happy and productive time for me over my 3 years.
Were there any teachers or staff who had a significant impact on you?
Sport was my saviour and Mr Price was instrumental in my time at Princethorpe.
What is your current occupation?
I am a strategic board adviser active in the real estate and rural sectors, working with boards, directors, and stakeholders to support strategy, governance, and long-term value creation. I specialise in brokering and facilitating commercial investment transactions alongside strategic land and development opportunities.
Previous to that, I spent nearly 17 years in senior leadership within a privately owned investment business, including four years as Chief Executive Officer, leading the organisation through multiple phases of growth and diversification across property and investment activities.
Are there any special achievements or milestones you’d like to share?
I am lucky to be a Course Director at Warwick Racecourse, which I thoroughly enjoy, and I am Founding Director of Frago Investments Ltd.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your professional life?
I enjoy being in the countryside and horseracing. We also have a small holding at home with a small flock of rare breed sheep and ponies. I also particularly enjoy helping and supporting people develop and grow professionally and personally.
What motivated you to join the alumni committee?
I enjoy giving back and helping support the network of community that surrounds Princethorpe College.
How do you hope to contribute to the school community through the alumni committee?
Hopefully I will add value by using some of my experience to date alongside helping the team deliver the strategies and actions agreed.