Claire Spencer AM, CEO of the Barbican, has announced her decision to step down from her role. During her tenure, Spencer played a crucial role in supporting the Barbican’s reopening and recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, championed the Barbican Renewal Programme, and led the organisation’s transformative Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda. Sir William Russell, Chair of the Barbican Centre Board, praised Spencer’s significant contributions, describing her as a clear-sighted, determined, and empathetic leader who will be greatly missed. David Farnsworth, Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation, will serve as the Barbican’s interim CEO, supported by Ali Mirza, Interim Deputy CEO, and the rest of the Barbican’s team of Directors. Following “a period of reflection”, the Barbican Board will begin the process of recruiting a new CEO.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has appointed Baroness Helena Kennedy, one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers, as its Chair. CIISA was conceptualised in 2021 by Time’s Up UK Chair, Dame Heather Rabbatts, in collaboration with legal advisors from FieldFisher, in response to serious allegations made in the public domain relating to the Creative Industries. The organisation aims to provide a dedicated, independent authority to combat bullying, harassment, and discrimination across the creative sector. Under the leadership of interim CEO Jen Smith, who joined in September 2022, CIISA is currently expanding its team, finalising its governance, legal and operational processes, funding, and business plan, with the goal of providing services by the end of 2024.
Deezer, the world’s largest independent music experiences platform,
has appointed Alexis Lanternier as its new CEO. Lanternier, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in building digital consumer goods platforms, will succeed interim CEO Stu Bergen. In his new role, Lanternier aims to strengthen Deezer’s experiential platform and seize future
growth opportunities by leveraging the company’s strategy of fair
artist compensation, immersive music experiences, and advanced
technology platform.
Cornelia Schmid has stepped down from her executive management role as owner and Managing Director of KD SCHMID after four decades. She has been named Honorary President of the company, ensuring her continued presence and influence on its values. Karen McDonald, who has worked alongside Schmid as Managing Director for a decade, will continue in this role, leading KD SCHMID into a new chapter. Christoph Drescher, who brings over 20 years of experience in the arts and music sector, has been newly appointed as Managing Director based in Berlin, joining McDonald in the joint leadership of the company. Under their leadership, KD SCHMID aims to further strengthen its partnership with parent company Deutsche Klassik and broaden its reach, as evidenced by the recent opening of the New York office.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has appointed Dr Mariko Silver as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective from September. Silver, a leader in the fields of philanthropy, education, government, and the arts, will become the twelfth President and CEO of Lincoln Center, building upon recent initiatives that invest in the vibrancy of New York City through the arts. An expert in institutional transformation, organisational change, and intercultural programme development, Silver comes to Lincoln Center from her role as President and CEO of the Henry Luce Foundation, where she oversaw the creation of new initiatives supporting Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust, and Asian American Voices. During the Obama administration, Silver served as Acting Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Policy for the US Department of Homeland Security.
