The Rhodes Trust has announced the appointment of Chrystia freeland as its next Warden of rhodes House and Chief Executive Officer.Freeland, a distinguished Canadian politician, journalist, and author, will assume the role on July 1, 2026, succeeding Professor Sir Rick Trainor KBE, who has served as Interim warden and CEO as January 1, 2025.

About the Rhodes Trust

The Rhodes trust is a globally recognized educational charity, most famously known for administering the prestigious rhodes scholarship. This scholarship provides remarkable students from around the world with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.

A Rhodes Scholar Returns to Lead

Freeland’s connection to the Rhodes Trust runs deep. Born in Alberta, Canada, she herself was a rhodes Scholar, attending Oxford University in 1991. Her impressive career trajectory has spanned multiple disciplines, beginning with a foundation in journalism. She reported from Ukraine as a freelance correspondent for prominent publications including the Financial Times, The Washington Post, and The Economist. She later held senior editorial positions at The Globe and Mail and the Financial times, serving as United States managing editor.

Prior to entering the political arena in 2013, Freeland held a leadership role as Managing Director at Thomson Reuters.Since then, she has served in key Canadian government positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, earning widespread recognition for her impactful contributions to public service.

The Trustees expressed confidence that Freeland’s diverse background – encompassing international affairs, media, and public policy – will bring a valuable and innovative perspective to the Rhodes Trust as it continues its mission of fostering global leadership.