New leadership for Bristol Beacon

Bristol Beacon has appointed SIMON WALES as Chief Executive suceeding LOUISE MITCHELL who departs in July 2024 after 12 years in post. 

Currently Chief Executive of Stowe House Preservation Trust, Wales has led music and heritage organisations including Waddesdon Manor and Windmill Hill Archive. A Clore fellow, he has also worked with the London Symphony Orchestra as Director of St Luke’s Music Education Centre and B Music (Town Hall Symphony Hall) in Birmingham.

Wales is also Chair of dance circus company Motionhouse and is a former cellist.

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY, Chair of Bristol Music Trust, the charity that runs Bristol Beacon, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Simon will be taking over as Chief Executive at Bristol Beacon. He has many years of experience in the arts and brings with him passion, determination and fresh ideas as we look to the future.

Wales added: “I have followed the transformation of Bristol Beacon’s venue and organisation with admiration. I know Bristol well and I can’t to wait to pick up the Bristol Beacon baton from Louise, take on her incredible legacy, and lead this music charity onto the next stage of its journey for the people of Bristol and beyond.

"As a singer and music lover, this role really is a dream position for me.”