RSA announces David Joseph CBE as new Chief Executive Officer

The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) has announced the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its new CEO. David will formally take up the post in September, succeeding Andy Haldane.

David, one of the UK’s most respected creative industries and media executives, will bring to the RSA a unique blend of creative leadership and commercial expertise, alongside a commitment to the RSA’s collaborative and inclusive values, its global Fellowship, now in the tens of thousands across 115 countries, and its role in effecting social impact over the course of its 271-year history.

David led Universal Music UK, the leading music company, as Chairman and CEO for 17 years, overseeing a period of extraordinary transformation and commercial success – spearheading its evolution into a global exporter of British creativity at its best, working with some of the world’s most loved artists.

Beginning his career in advertising before moving into music, David rose through the ranks of artist development and label management, before becoming Chairman and CEO at Universal Music UK in 2008. His career to date has been characterised by his values-driven approach to leadership, with kindness and collaboration at the heart of his approach.

As well as chairing several critically acclaimed BRIT Award shows, David was also an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 Amy documentary.

Outside of his commercial achievements, David has consistently used his platform to drive change. He pioneered Universal Music’s Creative Differences initiative in 2019, producing the first industry handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, which has reached more than 200 organisations across the globe.

David was also a founding board member of Julie’s Bicycle, helping to lead the cultural sector’s response to the climate crisis, and served on the National Council of Arts Council England for eight years. In 2013, Joseph worked with Baroness Doreen Lawrence to drive music industry support for Unity, to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder. As Chair of the Grenfell Foundation, David continues to advocate for justice and policy reform, focusing on community advocacy.

Sir Loyd Grossman, Chair of the RSA, said:

“David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary.

“We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world. These qualities make David superbly placed to lead the RSA into its next vital phase, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

David Joseph, newly appointed CEO of the RSA, said:

“The RSA has a remarkable heritage and untapped potential. At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change – uniting its rich tradition of arts, creativity and policy influence with the energy of its global Fellowship to spark ideas that shape society. I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together”.

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Photo credit: RSA