A constant champion for the arts, Dr Gus Casely-Hayford is Director of V&A East. He has presented two television series of The Lost Kingdoms of Africa for the BBC (and wrote the companion book), two television series of Tate Britain: Great Art Walks for Sky and delivered a TED talk on Islamic culture. Former roles include Executive Director of Arts Strategy, Arts Council England, and Executive Director of the Institute of International Visual Art. He has lectured widely on art and culture, including periods at Sotheby's Institute, Goldsmiths and SOAS, has advised national and international bodies on heritage and culture, and organised Africa 2005.

He is the recipient of a Kings College cultural fellowship for service to the arts and a SOAS Honorary Fellowship for service to Africa. He has judged the Art Fund’s British Museum of the Year award, advised the Royal Shakespeare Company and is a member of English Heritage’s ‘Blue Plaques Group’.