PRINCETON, NJ, USA (July 8, 2025) – International Schools Services (ISS) is pleased to announce that Mr. Chris Akin has been appointed as the next Director of Cayman International School (CIS), effective August 2026, pending approval of a Cayman Islands Work Permit.

Chris Akin is a highly respected international school leader with more than three decades of educational experience across seven countries and four continents. Since 2018, he has served as Head of School at the Lady Elizabeth School in Spain, where he has overseen substantial growth in both student numbers and program offerings. Under his leadership, the school launched a new Secondary campus and earned recognition as one of Spain’s leading international schools.

Chris has also held Head of School positions at Beijing City International School, International School of Bali, and other leadership roles in Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Switzerland. His leadership portfolio includes overseeing multiple IB World Schools, and Chris also has deep experience with both American and British curricular frameworks. Chris holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from The College of New Jersey and two undergraduate degrees from Queen’s University in Canada.

Throughout his career, Chris has been committed to inclusive, innovative learning environments and is known for his collaborative leadership style. He is an active contributor to the global education community through his role on the International Task Force on Child Protection, where he has served as a committee chair since 2014.

“Cayman International School conducted a comprehensive global search, and Chris emerged as the clear choice to lead the school into its next chapter,” said Dr. Tom Hawkins, Senior Leadership Executive and VP at ISS. “He brings a balance of strategic vision, warmth, and community-focused leadership that aligns well with CIS’s mission. We are confident he will make a positive and lasting impact on CIS and the broader Cayman community.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Akin to CIS,” said Liz Duffy, President of ISS. “His breadth of experience and demonstrated commitment to student well-being and academic excellence make him an exceptional fit for the CIS community.”

The appointment follows an extensive international search process led by ISS Executive Search in partnership with the CIS Board and Search Committee. The search attracted over 120 applicants from around the world. Finalists visited the campus to meet with faculty, staff, students, and parents, offering a community-centered approach to the selection process.

 
“I am honored and thrilled to join Cayman International School as its next Director for the 2026–2027 school year. CIS’ bold vision for nurturing innovative, compassionate, and globally minded learners aligns powerfully with my commitment to transformative education. I am inspired by the school’s dedication to excellence and its dynamic, future-focused ethos, and I look forward to building on this foundation to empower students to lead with purpose, imagination, and impact in a rapidly evolving world.”

Chris will relocate to Grand Cayman with his wife, Sandra for the 2026-2027 school year.

About Cayman International School (CIS)
Cayman International School (CIS) is a premier, private, non-sectarian, co-educational institution offering a world-class curriculum for students from early childhood through Grade 12. Established to serve the diverse community of multinational professionals in Cayman, CIS fosters academic excellence, creativity, and innovation within a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. The school provides state-of-the-art facilities that support its mission of preparing students for success in higher education and future careers.

About International Schools Services ISS
For 70 years, International Schools Services (ISS), based in Princeton, NJ, has been a global leader in international education. ISS supports schools and educators through teacher recruitment and executive searches, school management, professional development, school supply procurement, accounting and finance services, and innovative solutions to improve learning worldwide.