Help Musicians appoints new chief executive

UK music charity Help Musicians has today confirmed the appointment of Sarah Woods (pictured below) to the role of chief executive. Sarah takes up the position with immediate effect, having held the Interim CEO role since May following the departure of James Ainscough, who announced his decision to take on the role of CEO of the Royal Albert Hall in January.

(Image courtesy of Help Musicians)

Having joined Help Musicians in 2018, Woods has progressed from director of engagement to deputy CEO. During her time with the charity her large-scale projects have included the first ever Musicians’ Census in collaboration with the Musicians’ Union. Throughout the pandemic Woods supported Help Musicians in distributing an extensive support package including over £20m of financial support.

Woods said: ‘Music has always played an important role in my life; performing from an early age it enabled me to build new skills, connect with others and build relationships. It is therefore a privilege to be the charity’s next chief executive and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively across the sector to help more people working in music build sustainable and healthy careers… Together with the Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter Boards we are ambitious about making an even greater difference to musical life across the UK in the years to come.’

Woods’ experience prior to her work with Help Musicians includes working her way up from a box office role at the Royal Albert Hall to become its director of customer relations, then director of external affairs. Woods will bring this understanding of the classical music sector, both behind the scenes and in administrative roles to her role leading Help Musicians. 

The charity’s chair Bob Shennan said: ‘Sarah has proved herself to be an exceptional leader and a real visionary. She is the perfect person to take the charity to the next level.’