Musicians’ Company appoints new CEO

Florence Lockheart
Friday, April 12, 2024

Neil Constable will join the charitable company in November, succeeding Hugh Lloyd who has held the role for over a decade

© Simon Kane
© Simon Kane

The Musicians’ Company has announced the appointment of former Shakespeare’s Globe CEO Neil Constable OBE as its new Clerk and CEO. Effective from November, when current CEO Hugh Lloyd is set to retire after over 10 years in the role, Constable will work closely with master of the Musicians’ Company, The Hon Richard Lyttelton.

Neil brings to his new role 14 years of experience as chief executive of Shakespeare’s Globe. Over the course of his leadership, he oversaw the historical venue’s transformation into a ‘world-class destination’. He was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London in 2008 and was awarded an OBE for services to theatre in 2023.

Talking about his new appointment, Constable said: ‘As the only City of London Livery Company dedicated to the performing arts, I look forward to working with the Master, Court and colleagues in furthering the Company’s impact through its wide range of talent development opportunities for musicians and its programme of concerts, outreach, awards and its highly successful young artists’ programme, as well as furthering its contribution to the music profession and national life, rooted in the traditions of the Livery whilst responding to the challenges of today.’

Having trained in Stage Management & Technical Theatre, Constable became a fellow of the school in 2012. His subsequent career included senior management positions at the Barbican Centre and Royal Shakespeare Company as well as a period as executive director and joint chief executive of the Almeida Theatre (2003 to 2010).

The Hon Richard Lyttelton said: ‘I am delighted to welcome such a well-respected figure from the arts to take over from Hugh Lloyd and to continue Hugh's sterling work in the interests of music and musicians. I am confident that this exceptional appointment from a very strong field of candidates will serve to make this ancient Livery Company even more relevant in these challenging times for all committed to furthering the art of music.’

One of the oldest charitable companies in the City of London, the Musicians’ Company donates over £250,000 in scholarships and awards for early career musicians each year, with those supported invited to join the Company’s Young Artists’ Programme and participate in performance opportunities, and the organisation’s extensive outreach programme.