Royal Albert Hall appoints new director of programming

London’s Royal Albert Hall has announced the appointment of Matt Todd as director of programming. In his new role Todd will oversee all the Hall’s performances as well as its engagement work, tours programme, and its production and technical team. The concert venue has also announced the appointment of Dave Gamble to the role of head of programming.

Having held the position on an interim basis throughout 2023, Todd’s appointment is effective immediately. His appointment follows a search led by recruitment agency Green Park and a selection board which included two trustees of the charity and an independent third-party assessor. Todd was the board’s unanimous choice.

The selection board also included James Ainscough, who joined the Hall as chief executive in spring 2023. He said: ‘I know my colleagues at the Hall are as delighted as I am to see [Todd] take on this role on a permanent basis. Our vision is for the Hall to be the home of breathtaking moments and lasting memories, for everyone. Matt has the right plan to develop the Hall’s programme so that more and more people will feel welcome and at home in our building.’

Todd brings to his new role over 19 years of experience within the classical music industry, four of which have been spent with the Royal Albert Hall. He also held previous roles with organisations including IMG Artists, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Our Music Story Ltd, as well as leading his own arts management and consultancy agency, Matthew Todd Arts Management Ltd for nine years.

Gamble first joined the Hall in 2015 as programming manager and has been interim head of programming throughout 2023. He has been a driving force behind the Hall’s diversification of events throughout the year.