Jonathan Badyal joins Manchester United foundation as new trustee

MANCHESTER UNITED FOUNDATION has appointed two new trustees to its board, including a communications expert with experience in music and government.

Jonathan Badyal, a partner at Trafalgar Strategy and former Universal Music UK director of communications, joined the board in March alongside Professor Saul Becker from Manchester Metropolitan University, a statement said.

The pair met other board members at Old Trafford on Wednesday (18), led by chair of trustees Collette Roche, who also serves as chief operating officer of Manchester United.

Badyal brings wide-ranging experience from his career in communications and strategy. He spent eight years at Universal Music, finishing as director of communications for the UK business. Before that, he worked for five years advising the UK government's culture and digital minister on policy and communications.

During his government role, Badyal developed a focus on widening access for young people to creative industries. He currently advises chief executives and creatives on communications and reputation through his work at Trafalgar Strategy.

His other roles include senior adviser to executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde, deputy chair of the Black Country Living Museum, and interim chair at the National Academy for Social Prescribing.

"As a lifelong Manchester United fan I have admired the work of the foundation from afar," Badyal said. "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."

The foundation runs programmes in technology, medicine, media, retail and music alongside football coaching sessions and education courses. It partners with businesses in these areas to help young people find jobs, the statement added.

Badyal said his background in arts and creative industries could help the foundation's work. "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," he said.

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."

She added that the foundation needs to keep developing as an organisation. "I'm sure they will offer an invaluable new perspective to the governance and future of the Foundation," she said.