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Sonita Alleyne, Trustee

The Â鶹ԼÅÄ is one of the great cultural institutions of the UK. It has had a profound impact on my life and has shaped the way I look at the world

About Sonita

Born in Barbados, Sonita grew up in London and studied philosophy at Cambridge University. After starting her media career at radio station Jazz FM, she founded her first business, the digital production company Somethin' Else, in 1991 when she was 24. She was Chief Executive of the company until 2009 and a non-executive director until 2011. During the 1990s, she also worked as a music journalist and as a reporter and presenter for Â鶹ԼÅÄ GLR, Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live.

Throughout her career, Sonita has held a number of roles in the public and private sectors. She was a non-executive board member at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport when London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics was being put together. She continues to hold various public and private sector roles, including at the London Legacy Development Corporation, which will oversee the development of the Olympic Park area.

Sonita lives in London with her screenwriter partner and their son. She was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to broadcasting. 

Sonita says:

"As a former journalist, radio presenter and programme maker, I’m passionate about ensuring that all audiences are served by the Â鶹ԼÅÄ and see their lives reflected in the programmes they watch and listen to. The world is changing fast and it’s important that the Â鶹ԼÅÄ continues to adapt."