Dr Steffen Sommer has over 30 years of experience in senior roles across Europe and the Middle East. He joined Misk Schools in August 2022 from Doha College, where he was Principal for seven years. Before moving to the Middle East, he led top international schools in The Hague, Paris and Lausanne. A fluent speaker of six languages, he was also Head of Languages and a Housemaster at Rugby School, one of the UK’s top independent boarding schools. 

Born in Germany, Dr Sommer gained his first degree in Language and Linguistics at the University of Leipzig. After military service and teacher training, he worked in France with car maker Peugeot, and studied for a PhD in Birmingham, UK, before finding his vocation in teaching.  

Dr Sommer is an Honorary Vice President of COBIS, a co-founder of the international division of HMC, and a Fellow of High Performance Learning. He was named one of The PIE's 50 Voices 2025 – International Schools edition.