The Royal Academy of Dance has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Tim Arthur, who will take up the position from 1 March 2022. Tim succeeds Luke Rittner CBE who retires from the RAD on 30 April 2022, after 23 years in post. He will depart following the formal opening of the new RAD global headquarters, a project that he has guided to its successful completion.
Tim offers a wide range of experience gained in senior roles in the commercial, charity and arts sectors. Tim’s recent executive roles prior to this appointment include Creative Director of Virgin Money and Global CEO of Time Out.
Tim started his career as a drama teacher with his own drama school in Tunbridge Wells. He went on to become a successful theatre director and playwright. He was CEO/Artistic Director of Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells and won several awards for his work as Artistic Director of the Derby Playhouse’s internationally renowned Community Theatre. He was also the CEO of Cardboard Citizens, a multi-award-winning charity creating theatre working with and for homeless people. Tim is also a published author and a former presenter on BBC Radio London.
On his new position Tim commented: “I am incredibly excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead this wonderful organisation. Over the last 100 years, the RAD has helped to change tens of thousands of lives around the world by introducing them to the transformative power and sheer joy of dance. The RAD has been a beacon of excellence, creativity, passion and inclusivity and my aim is to ensure that this continues long in to the future.”
RAD Chairman, Guy Perricone, said of the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Tim Arthur as our new Chief Executive. Finding a successor to Luke Rittner was always going to be very difficult given his huge contribution to the RAD. But, after conducting a long and thorough search, we saw that Tim’s unique blend of experience, his deep personal appreciation of the arts coupled with his strong financial and commercial acumen made him a standout candidate. This is a pivotal moment for the RAD as we enter into our new headquarters and into our second century. We are greatly looking forward to working with Tim as we consolidate and build on the success of recent years.”