Bristol Beacon appoints chief executive

Music charity Bristol Beacon has announced the appointment of Simon Wales to the role of chief executive, succeeding Louise Mitchell who steps down this summer after 12 years in the post. Wales will take up the role from August following the reopening of the charity’s venue in November last year.

In his current role as chief executive of Stowe House Preservation Trust, Wales has overseen the organisation’s growth in audiences and income, created a public arts programme at Stowe School, and planned the next phase of restoration projects as part of a £25 million overall programme.

Talking about his new role, Wales said: ‘I have followed the transformation of Bristol Beacon’s venue and organisation with admiration. The Beacon has become a champion and focal point for music and music education in the city, and it is clear that Louise and her team are working hard to make sure that the venue is reflective of and welcoming to the city’s diverse communities. I know Bristol well and I can’t to wait to pick up the Bristol Beacon baton from Louise, take on her incredible legacy, and lead this music charity onto the next stage of its journey for the people of Bristol and beyond.’

Wales is a former cellist who has sung with the London Symphony Chorus, and performed at the Barbican, Royal Albert Hall and on tour with the London Symphony Orchestra alongside artists including Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Antonio Pappano. With a career in artistic leadership lasting over 20 years, he brings to his new role broad cultural leadership experience with organisations including Waddesdon Manor, LSO St Luke's, music charity B:Music and production company Motionhouse.

Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, who chairs Bristol music Trust, the charity which runs Bristol Beacon, said: ‘[Wales] has many years of experience in the arts, and brings with him passion, determination and fresh ideas as we look to the future. We were unanimous in our decision that he was the right person to lead the Beacon into its next era with transparency, equity, and inclusion as his guiding principles, as well as bringing a knowledge, love and passion for music of all kinds.’