Paula Stringer has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Factory International, joining the organisation’s executive team alongside Artistic Director and Chief Executive John McGrath, Creative Director Low Kee Hong and Chief Commercial Officer Scott McVittie. She joins from BBC News, where she is Director of Business, bringing senior leadership experience across broadcasting, live events and the charity sector. Based in Manchester for nearly three decades, Stringer previously held senior operational roles at the BBC, including Controller of Production for BBC Sport, and was Chief Executive of Christians Against Poverty.
Jesse Boere has been elected President of the International Music Council following the organisation’s 41st General Assembly. A music professional and policy strategist, Boere succeeds Dr Sheila C. Woodward and will lead the council as it advances its advocacy, network and project work in support of access to music worldwide.
John Harte has been appointed Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra and will take up the post in August 2026. Chief Executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009, Harte has played a central role in building the ensemble into one of the UK’s most distinctive orchestras, developing residencies at Southbank Centre and Kings Place and delivering critically acclaimed orchestral theatre projects, notably at the BBC Proms. He succeeds Dame Kathryn McDowell, who steps down at the end of the 2025–26 season.
Mary Anne Carter has been confirmed by the US Senate as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. She previously served as Chair during President Donald Trump’s first term, during which she oversaw the expansion of the Creative Forces arts therapy programme for veterans and strengthened national initiatives including Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Big Read and Poetry Out Loud.
Errollyn Wallen CBE has been appointed President of the Royal Society of Musicians, succeeding Dame Judith Weir DBE. A composer of international standing as well as a pianist, vocalist and broadcaster, Wallen becomes the third successive Master of the King’s (formerly Queen’s) Music to hold the post, following Dame Judith and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.
Duncan Wilson CBE has been appointed a Trustee of Sinfonia Smith Square, joining the Board at a key moment in the organisation’s development. Formerly Chief Executive of Historic England from its establishment in 2015 until his retirement in October 2025, Wilson brings extensive experience in leadership and governance as Sinfonia Smith Square advances its “Doors Open” capital refurbishment project at Smith Square Hall.
