Gavin to Chair English National Ballet

English National Ballet has named Sir RUPERT GAVIN Chair, replacing Sir ROGER CARR, who steps down following a five-year tenure.

An arts and business leader, Gavin is the former Managing Director of British Telecom, CEO of BBC Worldwide and CEO of Odeon Cinemas Group. 

Gavin was Chair of Historic Royal Palaces for several successive terms and Chair of the Honours Committee for Arts and Media for seven years.

He has produced and co-produced over 200 shows in London, on Broadway and internationally. 

Gavin will work closely with Artistic Director AARON S. WATKIN, who took up post in August, alongside Executive Director PATRICK HARRISON and Chief Operating Officer GRACE CHAN. 

"English National Ballet is a company with an unrivalled commitment to excellence, strong foundations, and an exciting vision for the future," Gavin said. 

"I look forward to helping the Company realise that vision."

Carr commented: "As I near the end of my second term and English National Ballet enters a new chapter with the arrival of a new Artistic Director, I felt the time was right for the Executive team to build a long-term future in partnership with a new Chair, and collectively realise Aaron’s artistic vision for the Company.

"Against this background, I look forward to seeing this remarkable and talented company flourish long into the future."