Search Associates is pleased to announce that Mr. Graham Howell has been appointed the new Director of the International School of Belgrade (ISB), beginning in July 2027. His appointment follows an extensive search conducted on behalf of the ISB Search Committee.
In her message to the ISB community, Ms. Danijela Cemovic Mecklenburg, Chair of the ISB Board of Trustees, highlighted the qualities that distinguished Graham throughout the selection process:
Mr. Howell’s extensive experience in international education, thoughtful leadership style, and clear commitment to student learning distinguished him as an outstanding candidate…Equally important, Graham impressed us with his integrity, warmth, and ability to build meaningful relationships within a school community. He is a thoughtful listener, a collaborative leader, and someone who approaches challenges with both professionalism and optimism...
Graham brings more than 27 years of international school leadership experience to ISB. Most recently, he served as Founding Principal of PACE Modern British School in Dubai, where he led the school’s growth from 16 students to more than 1,250 students while establishing a reputation for academic excellence and a strong sense of community. Earlier leadership positions as Principal, Deputy Head, and Assistant Head took him to schools in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and the United Kingdom between 2007 and 2021.
Reflecting on a particularly meaningful accomplishment during his leadership career, Graham recalls:
Watching our literacy attainment climb from 46% to 78% during my principalship and knowing that behind that number were hundreds of individual pupils who found their confidence as readers. The most powerful tool we can give a child isn’t a device, it’s the ability to read deeply, think independently and articulate their ideas into works that others can understand and be moved by.
Graham holds an MA in Education with distinction from Derby University and a BSc (Honors) in Design Technology Education from Nottingham Trent University.
Looking ahead to his new role at ISB, Graham is especially excited about joining a strong school community and contributing to its future development.
I’m excited by the chance to work closely with an already strong school community, to listen, to learn, build trust, and lead alongside people who care deeply about the school’s identity. Beyond that, the prospect of growth is a huge draw. I’m genuinely energised by the opportunity to help design and build ISB’s new school site, shaping spaces that will serve the community for decades to come.
Graham, his wife Sharon, and their daughter Ettie, age 8, are looking forward to becoming part of the ISB community, while their eldest Lottie starts her university journey in the UK. Outside of school, Graham enjoys cooking as well as travelling and exploring new places as a family.
I’m particularly looking forward to hitting the ski slopes in the Balkans once we’re settled. I can’t wait to explore Belgrade and the wider region with my family, the history, the culture, and everything the Balkans and neighbouring countries have to offer.
Search Associates extends its thanks to the ISB Search Committee members for their effective partnership and continued support throughout the search for the school’s next Director. We also thank all the candidates who applied for the Director position at ISB, Belgrade, Serbia, as well as everyone who contributed to the successful search process.
We wish Mr. Howell every success as he prepares to begin his new role at ISB, Belgrade, Serbia.
