The University of Roehampton is proud to announce that Phil Walker CBE, Chair of Council, has been appointed the new Chair of African Caribbean Engagement (ACE), as the organisation celebrates its fifth anniversary.
Since its launch in April 2021, ACE has engaged more than 40,000 young people and supported 230 participants through its senior academy. The charity, which began its work in south London, now operates in Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and north London, with programmes running in schools, community hubs and regional academies.
ACE aims to significantly expand its impact by 2030, developing ten professional cricketers, engaging 20,000 young people annually in grassroots programmes, accelerating the growth of Black female cricketers and establishing a hybrid coaching framework to support Black coaches at all levels of the game.
Phil Walker CBE brings over 30 years of leadership and business experience to his new role, including senior positions with IBM, PA Consulting and six years as Chief Operating Officer at Capgemini. A founding member of the Powerlist, he has long championed access to education and career pathways for young people. Earlier this year, Walker was awarded the CBE in the 2025 Honours List for his contributions to higher education and mentoring.
In his early years, Walker played cricket at Combermere School in Barbados and represented Loughborough University nationally in basketball.
Walker succeeds Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE, who will continue her involvement with ACE as Founder and Trustee, following her outstanding leadership since its inception. Under her guidance, ACE has evolved into a nationwide organisation backed by Sport England, delivering a broad range of programmes and an elite academy structure.
Phil Walker CBE said “It is an honour to take on the role of Chair at such an inspiring organisation. ACE has already transformed opportunities for thousands of young people and created genuine pathways into cricket for the Black community.
I am passionate about continuing that work, building on the incredible foundation laid by Ebony and the team, and ensuring we keep opening doors for the next generation. Together, we can make cricket more inclusive, representative and full of opportunity for all.”
Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Roehampton, commented “Phil’s appointment as Chair of ACE reflects his deep commitment to mentoring, leadership and social impact. His vision for empowering young people through sport and education resonates strongly with our mission at Roehampton.
“We are proud to see our Chair of Council take on such an influential national role, and we know he will bring the same passion, integrity and strategic insight that have made him an exceptional leader for our university community.”
