Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and acclaimed journalist, has been appointed as the next Warden of Rhodes House and Chief Executive Officer of the Rhodes Trust.
She will assume the role on 01 July 2026, succeeding Professor Sir Rick Trainor KBE, who has served as Interim Warden and CEO since January 2025.
The Rhodes Trust—best known globally for the Rhodes Scholarship—supports exceptional students from around the world to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
Freeland’s appointment marks the return of an alumna to the institution that helped shape her early career. An Alberta-born Rhodes Scholar who studied at Oxford in 1991, she brings with her an extensive portfolio of experience spanning journalism, international politics, public policy, and global affairs.
Freeland’s professional journey began in journalism, reporting from Ukraine for the Financial Times, The Washington Post, and The Economist. She later served as deputy editor of The Globe and Mail and US managing editor of the Financial Times, before becoming managing director of Thomson Reuters.
In 2013, she returned to Canada and embarked on a political career that would see her hold some of the country’s most senior cabinet roles, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Sir John Bell, Chairman of the Rhodes Trustees, praised the appointment, saying:
“Chrystia brings a wealth of experience from her work in global affairs, public policy and journalism. She has proven herself to be an outstanding leader with a remarkable ability to unite people around a common purpose – qualities that will serve the Trust exceptionally well.”
Bob Sternfels, Chairman of the Governance Committee, added:
“We are excited to welcome Chrystia as she steps into this very important role for the Trust. She has an impressive track record of engaging a wide variety of stakeholders and driving positive change.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Freeland said:
“It is an honour and privilege to return to Oxford as Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust. Having personally benefitted from a Rhodes Scholarship, I know how deeply transformative and influential it can be… I look forward to working with the Trust to build on its remarkable legacy.”
Professor Sir Rick Trainor KBE will remain in post until 30 June 2026, with Freeland beginning officially on 01 July following a period of handover.
