Saxton Bampfylde, the leading executive search firm, is thrilled to share that Jonathan Badyal will be joining our Arts, Culture, and Creative Industries practice as a Senior Advisor. We are proud to have supported this dynamic and important sector for nearly four decades, partnering with some of the world’s most prestigious organisations, including the National Theatre, British Museum, V&A, BBC, SXSW and the GRAMMYs, on key leadership positions.
Jonathan will bring exceptional expertise and strong networks in existing and new practice areas. His unique perspective will enhance our practice, strengthening our ability to identify visionary leaders who can balance artistic excellence with organisational sustainability in an evolving cultural landscape.
Jonathan is a Partner at Trafalgar Strategy, a global advisory firm, where he advises CEOs and world-renowned creatives on strategy and communications. With a particular passion for India, he is also working on exploring the country as both an import and export market for the UK’s arts and creative industries, building a wide network of senior stakeholders.
His impressive career spans both the public and private sectors, including eight years at Universal Music UK, most recently as Director of Communications, where he managed key relationships across the creative industries and governments. Previously, Jonathan spent five years advising the UK Government’s Culture and Digital Minister, developing deep insights into arts and creative industries policy.
Jonathan’s board experience includes his current roles as Deputy Chair at Black Country Living Museum and Interim Chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing. He was previously on the Tate Modern Advisory Group and was recently recognised in the PRWeek UK Power Book 2025.
Ed Bampfylde, Head of the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Practice, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan to our team. His breadth of experience across the creative industries gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable to our clients. Jonathan’s commitment to the sector, coupled with his vision and depth of understanding of the evolving creative landscape perfectly complements our commitment to identifying and supporting transformative leaders in this sector.”
Jonathan Badyal commented:
“I’ve always had a real passion for putting people together, particularly when it comes to Boards and CEOs looking for exceptional individuals who can bring something different to their organisations. I’m delighted to now be doing this in a formal capacity, advising the industry-leading team at Saxton Bampfylde as they continue to partner with some of the world’s most important organisations in sectors I care so deeply about.”
About Saxton Bampfylde – Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Practice
At Saxton Bampfylde, our Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Practice stands at the intersection of artistic vision and organisational excellence. For nearly four decades, we’ve partnered with the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions to identify transformative leaders who not only preserve creative legacies but pioneer innovative paths forward.
Our specialist team combines deep sector knowledge with unparalleled search expertise, understanding the unique challenges facing today’s cultural landscape, from digital transformation and audience development to funding diversification and community engagement. We recognise that tomorrow’s cultural leaders must balance artistic integrity with commercial acumen, tradition with innovation.
We take pride in our exceptional track record of placing diverse leaders who bring fresh perspectives and inclusive approaches to cultural institutions. Our commitment to diversity has transformed organisations by connecting them with leaders from varied backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints who drive both excellence and meaningful representation.
Through our global partnership with Panorama, we have global reach. This allows us to identify exceptional talent across international borders, connecting cultural institutions with leaders who bring world-class expertise and diverse global perspectives.