International Centre for Contemporary Music appoints new executive director

The International Centre for Contemporary Music (ICCM) has announced the appointment of Mark Friend to the role of executive director following an international search. Friend has extensive experience as a director, trustee and chair.

Steve Long, the ICCM board member who led the search process commented: ‘The post of executive director needs someone with very wide-ranging knowledge and experience and a very particular skill set. Mark brings the combination of innovation, business and charity experience that we were looking for.’

Before joining ICCM Friend was director of strategy with Cancer Research UK (2019-2020), leading an overhaul of the charity’s fundraising, partnership and research strategy. In his previous role as controller of digital services for BBC Radio and Music (2012 - 2019), Friend led the launch and expansion of digital services including the BBC podcast service, BBC Introducing and the Digital Proms.

Friend will work closely with ICCM’s music director and founder Zvonimir Hačko who said: ‘We have an exciting mission at ICCM to promote the creation and performance of contemporary music. We are delighted that Mark is joining the organisation as we embark on an exciting journey of new commissions, performances and recordings.’

Launched in September 2021, the ICCM is a London-based organisation devoted to the performance, production, and promotion of contemporary music. Its ensembles, programmes, recordings and services provide a platform for the sharing of new works and encourage audiences to experience works from the recent past.

You can find out more about the ICCM here.