Aesop appoints Interim CEO following death of founder

ANNA WILLIAMS is joining Aesop Arts & Society as its Interim CEO.

Her appointment to the charity best known for its Dance to Health programme follows the death of Aesop founder and Chief Executive TIM JOSS in a cycling accident in January.

A qualified chartered accountant, Williams worked for Birmingham Royal Ballet for 30 years, serving as Finance Director, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive.

She also held non-executive roles at The Young Vic, Theatre Development Trust, and Bath Festivals.

“The past few months have been a challenging period for Aesop with the sudden passing of our much-loved colleague and leader, Tim,” said Chair, KEVIN FENTON.

“We are now thrilled to welcome Anna, an exceptional candidate with a wealth of experience in the performing arts and charity sectors. We are confident that Anna’s proven track record in organisational resilience, financial management, and her commitment to artistic expression make her the ideal candidate to lead Aesop through the next phase."

Of her appointment, Williams said: “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead Aesop as Interim CEO and to build on the vision and ambition of the charity’s founder, Tim Joss.

“Having worked in the arts sector for the past 30 years, I am also an ardent advocate for the benefits of arts-based activity for social good. In the coming weeks, I will begin to create an organisational and operational strategy which can build and support successful relationships and effective practice across arts, health and social care."