When asked what he loves about fulfilling his role within a school environment, Ran shared, “I love being part of an organization devoted to making the world a better place through knowledge and learning. Both York University (where I worked for 21 years) and Branksome Hall revolve around this mission statement, and I find it gratifying being in that orbit. The pursuit of knowledge is core to everything we do, teachers and administrators alike. My favourite time at York U was always final convocation, getting to experience the wave of joy and pride at graduation. I'm really looking forward to Branksome's Green Carpet Celebration in June!”

Ran’s portfolio at Branksome consists of three pillars: the Business Office, Facilities, and Athletics and Wellness Centre (AWC) operations. “The Business Office leads budgeting, financial reporting and controls, banking, billing/collections, payments to vendors and generally ensuring the School remains financially resilient,” he notes. “Facilities include construction and renovations, capital maintenance, housekeeping, food services and security. Oversight of the AWC encompasses a collection of activities such as aquatics, rentals and Branksome Hall Day Camps.” In his view, “the common thread is ensuring that the School manages its risks effectively and responsibly, and that we constantly seek ways to improve, innovate and seize every opportunity for our community. With more than 900 students and 250 employees on an urban campus, keeping our eyes on risks and opportunities is an imperative.”

Ran holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg and a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from York University. When asked if there are any similarities between a Chartered Accountant and a screenwriter, he offered, “Believe it or no, yes! Because numbers tell a story. Those who aren't ‘numbers people’ probably know the feeling of staring at a page full of data and feeling utterly lost. One of my big goals is teasing out the meaning behind that data and crafting a narrative that anyone can understand. What is the story? What does it mean? Screenwriting made me better at that.”

When he isn’t working, Ran is an “outdoors fanatic—hiking, camping, skiing, gardening—anything involving nature, especially when our giant mastiff Hugo can join (he's an expert Nordic skier).” And when asked for movie recommendations, given his background, he had this to say: “Never ask a screenwriter their favourite movies, unless you want to spend all day hearing the answer! Way too many to mention. I’m catching up on last year’s Oscar movies, and saw an incredibly moving film called Aftersun, about an adolescent girl spending a week with her dad at a resort. A simple story about relationships, beautifully told.”

Welcome to Branksome, Ran! We are so glad you are here and look forward to sharing all of the school’s traditions with you for the first time over this school year.