James Ainscough to become Royal Albert Hall CEO

The Royal Albert Hall (RAH) has today announced the appointment of current Help Musicians CEO James Ainscough to the role of CEO. Ainscough will succeed Craig Hassall who stepped down from the role in December 2022 to join Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.

RAH COO Dan Freeman will hold the role of interim CEO until the spring, when Ainscough will take up his new position. Ainscough will be returning to the concert hall’s team after working with them as director of finance and administration, then as COO from January 2008 to December 2017.

RAH president Ian McCulloch said: ‘James combines a passion for the promotion of music and cultural enlightenment with the vision and business skills required to lead the Hall through its next phase, applying financial prudence to extending our reach and our artistic ambitions.’

Under Ainscough’s leadership, Help Musicians offered support for musicians affected by the pandemic, including the launch of 24/7 mental health support line and service Music Minds Matter. Ainscough will bring this pandemic experience to RAH, leading the Hall’s post-Covid business plan.

Talking about his new appointment, Ainscough said: ‘It has been a privilege to lead Help Musicians for the past five years and the charity is in now in good spirit with a clear strategy, a strong sense of purpose, and a wonderful team of staff, trustees and partners. Only a really special opportunity, like ‘coming home’ to the Royal Albert Hall, could have tempted me to leave.’