GEMS Education has appointed Keith Chicquen as the new Superintendent of GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi, effective August 2026. The appointment marks a strategic leadership move by GEMS Education as the group strengthens its premium American curriculum offering in Abu Dhabi’s competitive international education sector.
- GAA Abu Dhabi strengthens leadership amid growing international demand
- Keith Chicquen led rapid growth at TASIS Portugal
- Dino Varkey highlights focus on academic excellence and wellbeing
- Keith Chicquen says partnership and community will remain priorities
- GEMS Education expands global education footprint
Keith Chicquen succeeds Interim Superintendent Dr Ethan Hildreth and brings more than 35 years of global education leadership experience spanning Canada, Portugal, and Singapore. Throughout his career, he has led K-12 institutions, boarding schools, private education campuses, and post-secondary organisations.
GAA Abu Dhabi strengthens leadership amid growing international demand
GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi serves students from 86 nationalities and supports a multicultural environment where more than 30 languages are spoken. The academy currently holds a “Very Good” rating from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), while its curriculum has earned an “Outstanding” assessment.
The school also offers one of Abu Dhabi’s widest selections of high school pathways. These include the American Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and hybrid academic programmes.
With Chicquen’s appointment, GEMS aims to further enhance academic performance, student wellbeing, and community engagement at the academy.
Keith Chicquen led rapid growth at TASIS Portugal
Before joining GEMS Education, Chicquen served as Founding Headmaster of TASIS Portugal since 2019. During his tenure, he led the institution through six phases of construction during the pandemic while doubling initial student enrolment projections.
Under his leadership, the school achieved operational profitability within two years. It also recorded student retention of 93% and faculty retention of 90%, highlighting strong institutional stability.
Beyond executive leadership, Chicquen has remained actively involved in student development. He has taught mathematics, coached athletics, and mentored student leadership programmes throughout his career.
Previously, he held senior leadership positions at Vancouver Island University, Shawnigan Lake School, Lower Canada College, and Collingwood School. He also served on the founding leadership team of the Canadian Overseas College, now known as the Canadian International School in Singapore.
Dino Varkey highlights focus on academic excellence and wellbeing
Commenting on the appointment, Dino Varkey said Chicquen’s leadership style aligns closely with GEMS Education’s long-term vision.
“Keith is a proven school builder with a remarkable ability to shape thriving, values-driven communities. His track record in academic excellence, parent engagement, and student wellbeing makes him an excellent fit for GAA,” Varkey said.
He added that the new Superintendent would help strengthen GAA’s position as a leading international school rooted in local culture while preparing globally minded future leaders.
Keith Chicquen says partnership and community will remain priorities
Speaking on his appointment, Chicquen said he was impressed by GEMS Education’s global vision and commitment to educational excellence.
“What stood out immediately about GAA was its strong identity, academic ambition, and close-knit community,” he said.
“I strongly believe in schools where educators, students, and families work together in genuine partnership. I look forward to building on the school’s momentum and ensuring every learner feels supported, challenged, and inspired.”
GEMS Education expands global education footprint
Founded in Dubai in 1959, GEMS Education has grown into one of the world’s largest private K-12 education providers. The group educates more than 200,000 students from over 176 nationalities across its network of owned and managed schools.
The organisation, founded by Sunny Varkey, continues to operate as a family-led business with Dino Varkey serving as Group CEO and Jay Varkey overseeing strategic operations.
Today, GEMS students secure admissions to leading global universities, including Ivy League institutions in the United States and all UK Russell Group universities.
