Our dedicated team of experts specialise in executive search for the arts, creative industries and sport. With deep industry knowledge and an extensive network, we connect visionary leaders with organisations to drive growth, innovation, and lasting cultural impact worldwide.

Creativity, ingenuity, transformation

In a time of profound change, the arts, creative industries and sport have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation, underscoring their unique ability to captivate audiences through constant reinvention. As accessibility gains prominence and competition grows, the demands on leadership in this sector have intensified. Today’s leaders must be versatile, combining commercial acumen with strategic vision while preserving a distinct creative edge. Identifying and nurturing such multifaceted talent requires deep expertise and a global outlook to bring forward the most impactful candidates.

Specialist recruitment advisors to:

  • Architecture and Design
  • Commercial arts organisations
  • Creative organisations
  • Festivals and fairs
  • Film and television
  • Heritage
  • Museums and galleries
  • Dance, opera and ballet
  • Publishing
  • Theatre and performing arts
  • Sport

Our approach

Championing diversity, equity and inclusion

Our experience

With over 30 years of expertise in the arts and creative industries, we are proud to support a diverse array of organisations and senior leaders. Our work bridges local, national, and international talent, guided by a commitment to inclusivity in our search and advisory services. From publicly funded institutions to commercial enterprises, from world-renowned organisations to emerging ventures, we value every partnership.

In today’s dynamic environment, having exceptional leadership is more critical than ever. We are dedicated to identifying and nurturing the right leaders – executive and non-executive, creative and managerial – who can drive transformation and inspire ongoing innovation.

Our Clients

Our recent appointments

Keeper of Western Art
The Ashmolean Museum
Executive Director
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Chair
Tomorrow’s Warriors
Director
Outside In
Chair
Black Country Living Museum
Board Member
The Courtauld
CEO
Music Patron
Chief Digital Officer
National Theatre
Chief Executive
RSA
Director
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Artistic Director
Almeida Theatre
Director
Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery
Chair
Publishers’ Licensing Services
Director
Frieze Masters
Director
New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki
Director of Collections
British Museum
Chair Designate
Brixton House
Trustee
Chineke! Foundation
Chair
The Henry Moore Foundation
Chair
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Artistic Director
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Head of Screen
SXSW London
Head of Music
SXSW London
Director of Programming
SXSW London
Creative Advisor
SXSW London
Chair
RSA
Artistic Director
Sheffield Theatres
Managing Director
SXSW London
Chief Executive Officer
Britten Pears Arts
Director
British Museum
Director
Gainsborough’s House
CEO
Into Film
Director of Collections and Chief Curator
V&A
Chair
BBC
Director
National Theatre
Director
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Chair
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Head of Collections
The Box
Director
English Heritage
Chair
New Art Exchange
Director
London Film School
Director
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Director of Tate Modern
Tate
Finance Director, BBC News
BBC
Chief Operating Officer, BBC News
BBC
Chief Executive
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
CEO
Royal Albert Hall
Trustees
Barbican
Insights

Take Five: A spotlight on leadership in the Arts and Creative Industries

We are pleased to share our latest research, “Take Five” – a powerful snapshot of leadership thinking that cuts through the noise in an era defined by digital transformation, shifting audience dynamics, and evolving funding landscapes.

Meet our team

Our Partnerships

Latest Opportunities

The Friends of Leighton House

Chair

Closing date: Monday 15 Dec 2025

The Royal Horticultural Society

Treasurer

This role opportunity has expired.

Factory International

Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director

This role opportunity has expired.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Director & Chief Executive

This role opportunity has expired.

The Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre

Director of Hayward Gallery & Visual Arts

This role opportunity has expired.

The Culture Trust, Luton

Chief Executive

This role opportunity has expired.

Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust

Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO

This role opportunity has expired.

Amgueddfa Cymru

Director of Collections and Research / Cyfarwyddwr Casgliadau ac Ymchwil

This role opportunity has expired.

Trinity College London

Chair of the Board of Trustees

This role opportunity has expired.

SXSW London

Director of Delegate Sales

This role opportunity has expired.

Royal Shakespeare Company

Chief Financial Officer

This role opportunity has expired.

The Courtauld

Member of the Finance and Operations Committee

This role opportunity has expired.

Trinity College London

Chair of the Board of Trustees

This role opportunity has expired.

Let’s take it from here

 

+44(0)20 7227 0800

contact@saxbam.com

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