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Naresh Sonpar is an accomplished leader with extensive experience across education, finance, and local governance. His multifaceted career spans over two decades, where he has demonstrated expertise in both the public and private sectors.
Public Sector Roles
Naresh is an elected Common Councillor of the City of London Corporation where he plays a key role in supporting and engaging the local community around the Barbican. As Chair of the Education Board, he oversees the educational strategy and scrutiny of over15 educational establishments including both independent and City of London Academy trust schools within London and beyond. He also serves as the Chair of the London Careers Festival, one of the largest career festivals in the UK from primary to post 16. His responsibilities extend to governance, where he is a Governor of the City of London School and a company member of the City of London Academy Trust.
In addition to his educational contributions, Naresh is an active member of the Audit & Risk Management Committee ensuring the protection and enhancement of the City Corporation's reputation through rigorous scrutiny of its processes. He is also part of the Economic & Cyber Crime and Professional Standards & Integrity Committees of the City of London Police Board, contributing to the integrity of law enforcement and cybercrime management.
Educational Leadership
Naresh is the Founding Director of Guildhouse Business School where he made significant impacts on student success through a focus on teaching excellence and curriculum enrichment. Under his leadership, the school introduced programmes like the University Foundation Programme in Financial Trading which equipped students with critical skills such as using Bloomberg terminals and earning the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification.
Previously, he served as the Head of Economics and Head of House at the London Academy of Excellence in Stratford, where he raised A-Level attainment rates from 68% to 90% A/B grades in his first year. His innovative teaching strategies, focusing on creativity and technology, empowered students to excel academically and beyond.
Private Sector and Finance
Before transitioning to education and public service, Naresh had a successful 18-year career in finance. He was a Hedge Fund Manager and Investment Banker, known for his ability to generate alpha, manage risk, and build trading desks from the ground up. He navigated the financial markets through the 2008 crisis, demonstrating exceptional management of cash and risks.
He also founded and launched PropWatch.com, Europe's first property website to utilise an auctioning process for buyers and sellers, which was widely featured in the **Financial Times, Sunday Times, Guardian, Telegraph and other media. His business acumen led to the successful sale of the platform.
Educational Background
Naresh holds a MSc in Corporate and International Finance from Durham University and a BA (Hons) in Business Studies. He is also a Teach First Ambassador and alumnus, having completed his PGCE in Business and Economics at UCL Institute of Education.
Naresh is highly skilled in educational leadership, financial markets, risk management, and governance. His diverse experience allows him to make impactful contributions across sectors, helping to shape both the academic and financial futures of the institutions he serves.