Born in Oxford, Paul Thompson, 49, holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Bristol, as well as master's and doctoral degrees from the University of East Anglia. Currently Paul Thompson is Director of the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, the only museum in the United States devoted to historic and contemporary applied art and design.

Paul Thompson's wide-ranging knowledge of, and passion for arts education is well established. Prior to taking up his current position at the Cooper-Hewitt Dr Thompson was Director of the Design Museum in London, from 1992 to 2001. Before directing the Design Museum, Dr Thompson was Curator of Contemporary Design there, from 1988 to 1992.  From 1987 to 1988, Paul Thompson worked at the Design Council. Outside the world of galleries and museums, he has worked diligently to heighten awareness of the role design plays within an increasingly global society. In 2000 Paul Thompson was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Art for services to art and design education.

Paul Thompson said, "As the world's leading university of art and design, the College boasts an incredible heritage, outstanding staff and graduates who have gone on to make their names as leaders in their fields all over the world. It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to be asked to lead the Royal College of Art, particularly at this exciting time in its history."

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Sir Christopher Frayling has been Rector of the College since 1996, and has worked at the RCA - as, successively, tutor, Professor of Cultural History, Pro-Rector and Rector - for some thirty-five years. In his time as Rector, Sir Christopher has successfully re-energised and led the College and raised its public reputation as a key crucible of the creative industries and as a global influence in art and design education. After summer 2009, he intends to concentrate more on research, writing and broadcasting.