Meet our CEO!

Philippa Smith was educated in South Wales. At a young age she won scholarships to study singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and also to the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied opera as a post-graduate. For some years she sang professionally as a mezzo- soprano, performing frequently with regional opera companies and also in concert halls throughout the country.

Since graduating she has had a passion for teaching and has taught extensively in private practice, at schools and at colleges, covering a wide range of ages, abilities and genres.

During her career she has worked creatively with adults with special needs, written and devised education projects for schools and given masterclasses in educational establishments. Many of her past pupils have gained places to study singing at universities and conservatoires and some are now singing professionally.

As well as co parenting their children, Tom and Will, she also coached Rob throughout his career, working in great detail on every role that he sang.

Philippa is now the CEO of the Robert Poulton Foundation and takes great pride in leading its two current projects, which very conveniently combine her professional expertise with her dedication to Rob’s memory.