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MEET YOUR OLD ALLEYNIAN ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
tough, cold, and unforgettable, and it forged strong friendships and tremendous resilience.
One of the greatest joys of attending Dulwich was the extraordinary variety of activities on offer. I was always enthusiastic about joining things, especially anything involving the outdoors. I started with the Scouts and the camping trips around Lake Windermere remain some of my fondest memories. After that came the CCF Naval Section, which opened up entirely new experiences: sailing courses in the Solent, overnight exercises on Bodmin Moor, and my first real taste of independence and responsibility. The CCF was where I first learned the basics of leadership and discipline – skills that proved invaluable later in life. I also joined the Bridge team and competed in several inter‑school tournaments. Bridge may not have been the most athletic pursuit, but it offered an early introduction to strategy and concentration, qualities that would eventually become central to my professional career.
What did you do after leaving Dulwich?
Like many boys leaving school, I didn’t have an immediate sense of where my career should go. I had always been interested in business and finance, so after completing my Economics degree, I joined Deloitte Haskins & Sells in the City. My intention was to give myself time to think while acquiring a solid professional grounding. As it turned out, that decision led me towards institutional fund management, and I joined Henderson Investors soon afterwards. My career later took me to Shell, including a period in Bermuda, and I have spent the rest of my working life in the investment world. I have worked across a broad range of roles and even spent time in a hedge fund. It has been a fascinating and rewarding career, and I consider myself very fortunate to have found a profession that I am truly passionate about.
SIMON CZ BROWN
What do you hope to achieve in your year as President?
What subjects did you enjoy most, and why?
Over recent years, the Old Alleynian Association has worked hard to strengthen its structure and ensure that the main committee can focus on delivering meaningful goals and outcomes. The creation of dedicated sub‑committees, along with the recent appointment of a Chairman has brought welcome continuity and strategic clarity. This framework now enables us to think more confidently about long‑term goals and how best to support OAs across the globe. One initiative that has already made a significant impact is the Strategy 30 programme. It was established to engage and support younger OAs by offering a broad range of social, sporting, and professional opportunities. Encouraging the next generation to feel connected to Dulwich College and its alumni community is essential for the Association’s future, and I look forward to championing this programme throughout my presidency. Another area of real promise is the Alumni Awards. This scheme celebrates the achievements of OAs across a wide spectrum of fields and helps maintain a sense of global community. Whether recognising early‑career success or long‑established distinction, the awards remind us of the extraordinary breadth of the College’s network. I see both Strategy 30 and the Alumni Awards as vital elements of our future, and it will be a privilege to help nurture them during my year in office.
History was a favourite throughout my time at the College, but everything changed when I reached the Upper School and encountered Economics for the first time. The subject seemed to click with me straightaway, and I found myself genuinely excited by it. It helped that our teacher was Phil Keith‑Roach, captain of Rosslyn Park RFC, whose lessons often wove together Economics and rugby. That unusual combination made the classes lively, memorable, and great fun.
How have you remained connected with OAs and the OAA?
In my day, anyone who played a major sport tended to flow naturally into Old Alleynian sport after leaving school. I played rugby and cricket, as well as taking part in the Cricketer Cup. My proudest moment came when I scored a century on Founders’ Day on the 1st XI square—still one of my happiest sporting memories. OA sport was where lifelong friendships were formed, including with OAs who were older or younger, something that rarely happened while at the College. Since then, I have played in OA Golf Society matches and spent more than 10 years as Treasurer of the Alleynian Sailing Society, which organises the Dulwich Boys Sail Training Week each summer. I have served as Chairman of Trustees for over five years and on the OAA Committee for seven. I believe we have made real progress in strengthening our governance and preparing the Association for the future, with many creative initiatives now underway.
What were your main interests outside the classroom?
Sport was probably my greatest passion, and I played at every possible opportunity. Cricket was already familiar from primary school, but rugby was completely new. I quickly discovered what a wonderful game it is – not just for the sport itself, but for the camaraderie and lifelong friendships it fosters. Our unbeaten Colts XV still meets annually, a testament to the bonds formed in those early years. In my final year, we made a small piece of Dulwich College history by becoming the first football (rather than rugby football) team to officially represent the College. It took considerable persuasion to secure a marked pitch and fixtures, and the pitch was discreetly placed behind the Sanatorium, safely out of sight from the South Circular! Cricket, though, remained my first sporting love. Playing for the 1st XI for two years on the magnificent Dulwich square was a huge privilege. Beyond these sports, I enjoyed squash, joined the Photographic Society, and took part in the Film Society, each offering a different window into life beyond the classroom. Do you have any particular memories from your time at the College? Several memories stand out clearly, even now. One is the unheated swimming pool, with icy temperatures matched only by the freezing showers after sport – a rite of passage for generations of boys. Another is the CCF’s annual Easter pilgrimage to Loch Ewe, a remote sea loch in the Northwest Highlands. We stayed in old Second World War Nissen huts with snow on the ground and limited heating, and spent our days sailing, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and abseiling. It was
How do you spend your leisure time?
In winter, I enjoy watching rugby – both Harlequins and England – and in summer I attend Test matches as a member of the MCC and the Oval. I try to go skiing twice a year and would love to play more golf and hope to do so with greater competence in the future! I also enjoy sailing, films, opera, and am a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers. Travel remains a constant source of enjoyment and learning, especially our visits to our home in Puglia, where I continue, slowly, to learn Italian.
What was your time like at the College?
I was at the College between 1969-1976 and really loved my time there. I was lucky enough to attend through a local authority scholarship, becoming part of what is known as ‘the Dulwich Experiment’. Coming from a small primary school, the College felt like a wonderfully inspiring environment, full of energy, opportunity, and expectation. The campus, the atmosphere, the sense of possibility – everything made a deep impression on me from the very beginning.
Any final thoughts?
Serving as President of the Old Alleynian Association is a great honour. I look forward to the year ahead and to working closely with both the College and the Committee to support our vibrant and evolving community.
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