OHA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee is responsible for the running of the OHA, the Old Haberdashers’ Clubhouse and the sports ground in Borehamwood. It is the parent body for all the associated clubs. The Committee is made up of a number of officers and representatives who are listed below. There are a number of sub-committees who are responsible for key aspects of the OHA operation – these include Finance & Investment, Clubhouse and Ground Management, Communications etc. Old Haberdashers’ Sports Ground Limited was set up by the OHA for legal, financial and tax purposes. The OHA appoints the members of the Board of this company.
The Committee meets on average four times per year and holds an Annual General Meeting open to all members of the Association in the Autumn.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
COLIN BLESSLEY
President
Colin attended Haberdashers' Aske's Preparatory and Senior Schools, leaving in 1965 to study Modern Languages at the University of Bristol. Until recently, Colin led the Turnaround team at Menzies LLP. He is currently an independent business advisor and Non-Executive Director.
He has more than 45 years of professional experience and has led a considerable number of successful advisory assignments over recent years for corporates and lenders alike, involving corporate debt in excess of £35 billion. He has advised many multinational and domestic clients in the UK, Continental Europe (including Spain) and North and Latin America on business restructuring, turnarounds, acquisitions, alliances, disposals, funding, valuations and strategic planning, as well as forensic investigations and litigation support.
Colin was based in Madrid, where he led PwC's Spanish corporate finance and restructuring activities and for 5 years was co-leader of their restructuring practice in Latin America, until he returned to London in 2005 to lead PwC’s mainland European restructuring business. On leaving PwC, he became an adviser to the UK Financial Services Authority.
He was the Senior Managing Director leading FTI’s Corporate Finance practice in Spain, based in Madrid and London, set up in September 2009. In its first 2 years of activity, it advised on the restructuring of more than €8 billion of corporate debt.
One of his recent roles was Finance & Commercial Director of London 2012 Ceremonies (LOCOG), the company responsible for delivering the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He has spoken at numerous events and seminars around the world and has appeared on TV and the radio in a number of countries.
Colin is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, a member of the Institute For Turnaround and a Spanish Certified Accountant. He speaks fluent Spanish, French and Portuguese and has a good command of Italian.
Colin was elected President of the OHA in 2012 and served for three years, handing over to Martin Baker in 2015. He was re-elected President in 2016.
RICHARD CARLOWE
Head of Administration
Richard left the school in 1984 having been appointed Sub-Prefect by Doug Yeabsley on the basis that the poacher made the best gamekeeper. Richard played 2nd XV rugby, 2nd XV cricket and 2nd XI hockey.
Richard has worked in property more or less since leaving school and he specialises in the buying and selling of Freehold Ground Rents. He was also involved in building a portfolio of Health Centres around the country.
Richard is also known for writing and hosting charity quiz and bingo events, including the last two Habs Girls Quiz Suppers.
DR JOHN WIGLEY
Honorary Treasurer & Registrar
John taught at the School for 35 years, was Housemaster of Russells for 15 and Head of Economics and Politics for 21. He retired in 2008 and was elected Treasurer of the OHA in 2011. John has written a large number of articles for the OHA Annual Magazine, notably a series on the headmasters. He also wrote "Serve and Obey", an illustrated history of the School. In his spare time John returns to School to help with the CCF and D. of E. He enjoys long-distance walking and has recently completed a walk from Seville to Santiago. He is Chairman of the St. Albans and Harpenden Patient Group and a Hertfordshire Magistrate.
CLIVE HYMAN
Clive Hyman left Haberdashers in December 1979, was an entrance exhibitioner to Christ's College, Cambridge and graduated in Biochemistry.
He became a Chartered Accountant in 1986 and became a partner in KPMG in 1995.
He retired KPMG in 2005, to start his own firm, Hyman Capital, which has been the proud sponsor of Old Haberdashers’ Cricket Club, Old Haberdashers’’ Rugby Football Club and Old Haberdashers Association Football Club. He is the Vice President of the OHRFC and the OHCC
DAVID HEASMAN
Clubhouse Manager
David left the School in 1959, and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1969 He is managing partner of a long established NW London firm of Surveyors and Estate Agents.
David was President of the OHA between 2004 and 2005. He has run the Clubhouse singlehandedly for the last 10 years. He was an active member of the OHRFC for many years. He also directs the Harrow Apollo Male Choir.
ROGER PIDGEON
Social Secretary
Roger left school in 1967 and in his time was a founder member of the Hockey First XI. He has spent his entire career in town planning spending many years with the Commission for New Towns and English Partnerships. He now works as a consultant. He also spent 20 years with the Royal Naval Reserve. He is a trustee of the Watford Pump House Theatre and was elected to the Committee in 2015 as social secretary
PADDY HUGHES
OH Rugby Club Representative
Paddy (1984) organises the players lunches on numerous occasions during the rugby season. He is a Senior Credit Analyst and Partner in the City. He runs triathlons and is far too fit for a 54 year old.
AJOE STOLERMAN
OH Football Club Member
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SHAJEEN SHAILENDRA
OH Cricket Club Representative
Shajeen left the school in 2011 having joined in 2000. He studied Natural Sciences at UCL, and now works for Deloitte in Corporate Audit.
Shajeen joined OHCC in 2013 and hasbeen captain of the OHCC 2nd XI for the past 3 years. He has helped the side to two trophies in three league seasons.
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ROBERT CLARKE
OH Golf and Cricket Club Member
Robert left the School in 1990, was part of Strouts House and played cricket & rugby for the School.
Robert has been an active member of the Executive since 2005 as an elected member and representing the interests of the OH Cricket Club. He has been the Hon Sec. of the OHCC since 1999 and continues to be an active player. He is also heavily involved in the OH Golf Society.
Robert graduated from Southampton University and now works for Xerox on Environmental / Sustainability issues.