On behalf of Antwerp International School (AIS), Search Associates is delighted to announce that Dr. Marc Mesich, Ed.D., has been appointed as the school’s new Head of School, beginning in August 2027.
President and Vice President of the Board of Trustees Nils Schillewaert and Els De Cremer, along with the Head of the Search Committee, shared with the community:
Dr. Mesich joins Antwerp International School at an exceptionally historic moment as the school approaches its landmark 60th anniversary. Selected through a rigorous global search process, Marc stands out as a visionary, results-driven educational leader with a proven track record of driving strategic advancement, operational excellence, and collaborative community cultures within International Baccalaureate World Schools.
Dr. Mesich brings extensive executive leadership experience in international education, including guiding schools through comprehensive evaluations and periods of significant development. Most recently, he has served as Principal and CEO of Uplands International School in Malaysia, where he spearheaded a major campus redevelopment. Previously, he was Principal and Founding Director of Osaka YMCA International School in Japan. During his leadership at both schools, he successfully implemented the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, as well as the Diploma Programme in Japan.
Known for his collaborative and deeply humanistic leadership style, Marc was particularly impressed by the welcoming and engaged community he encountered at AIS. He shared his enthusiasm about visiting with the school and beginning his next chapter there:
As an individual who highly values community and a sense of connection, one of my first observations was how committed and engaged everyone in the AIS community seemed. I felt extremely welcomed and supported throughout the entire experience. AIS incorporates a holistic vision, outdoor learning, inquiry, and a deep respect for diversity. I was excited to connect with the community and feel that through these engagements we can strive to make the lives of young people better... On behalf of my family, we are thrilled to be taking the next step in our professional and academic journey.
Marc holds a Doctor of Education in K-12 Senior Leadership from the University of Calgary and a Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto. His leadership philosophy balances institutional sustainability with an approachable, student-centered focus. He draws on distributed leadership to empower educators while prioritizing international mindedness, intercultural understanding, and meaningful learning experiences.
Passionate about experiential education, Marc also brings extensive experience in trekking, mountaineering, and kayaking. Some of his most cherished professional memories have come through outdoor education:
It has been my privilege to support young people across the world over the course of my career. I have seen many students develop in astounding and unexpected ways. Time spent up in the mountains or on the water with young people provides an opportunity to connect and communicate deeply. Through these experiences, I have been able to support young people to accomplish more than they believed they could. Helping young people be and do more is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a leader.
Outside of school, Marc, who will be joined by his family, enjoys hiking, weight training, cycling, and cooking. His interest in sustainable living and agriculture complements his passion for good food, while his fascination with culture and history inspires him to explore new places and learn from the people he meets. He is especially excited to discover Belgium’s “range of extraordinary history, a high quality of life, and a wide range of outdoor experiences.”
Search Associates extends thanks to the AIS Search Committee members for their highly effective partnership and ongoing support during the search process for the Head of School.
Moreover, Search Associates thanks all the candidates who applied for the Head of School position and also everyone who played a part in the successful search process.
We wish Dr. Mesich all the best with his new position at Antwerp International School.
