Peter Holliday appointed as interim director at London Film School

Peter Holliday has been appointed as the interim director at London Film School (LFS) following the departure of Gisli Snaer, who steps down at the end of May. Peter will start at LFS mid-May and take over leadership as the Board of Governors lead the process to recruit a permanent successor.

Peter Holliday has been a member of the Board at LFS for two years and has worked as an independent interim executive and consultant in Higher Education for more than 20 years, delivering strategic change in public and private education in the UK. He has held senior positions at London South Bank University, the University of Cumbria, the University of Salford, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and Regent College London. From 1980-2000, Peter was in the British Army. He specialised in field communications but occupied a wide variety of roles and for five years had the privilege of serving with Gurkhas. He is a graduate of the Joint Services Command and Staff College and MBA.

Gisli’s departure comes after six years at the School, having originally joined as head of studies in 2016. He moves on to focus on his own filmmaking projects. Gisli said: “I’m immensely proud of all that our students, graduates, visiting lecturers, industry guests, masterclass guests, mentors and colleagues have achieved since I joined the school, especially under the tremendously difficult circumstances that the pandemic imposed on each of us during the past two years. I’m confident that LFS will continue to go from strength to strength under Peter’s new leadership.”

The LFS chair, Greg Dyke said: “I would like to pay tribute to Gisli and all he has achieved in his six years at the school, most recently as director. In particular the Board thanked him for his success in leading the school through the very difficult Covid years. We welcome Peter into the role and feel confident he will bring his expertise to the School.”

Peter commented: “I’ve worked alongside Gisli and the management team for several years now and seen first-hand the talent and hardworking nature of the London Film School students. I’m delighted to be part of the dedicated faculty and help bring to life the creativity of the enthusiasm of each of the students.”