Overview
Saxton Bampfylde has a long standing Arts and Creative Industries practice and we are proud to advise on the appointments of senior leaders at many of the world’s most recognised museums, galleries, performing arts institutions, heritage bodies and creative organisations. Our work includes the appointments of directors and chief executives, functional directors, curatorial, artistic and content leaders as well as non-executive chair and trustee appointments. This is an international community and the majority of our executive searches are global in reach. Ensuring an organisation's top teams are of the highest possible calibre is now more critical than ever as cultural institutions strive to fulfill their ambitions in the context of a challenging financial climate.
Follow our Arts and Creative Industries Practice @SaxbamArts
Rosanna Cundall
Consulting Team
Rosanna joined Saxton Bampfylde’s consulting team after spending 10 years working in executive search with a focus on the art world. As a consultant in the Arts and Culture Practice, she advises on executive and board appointments across the industry. Rosanna also works in the commercial sector, across luxury and consumer markets. She has a degree in Art History and sits on the Development Committee of Hospital Rooms, an arts and mental health charity that commissions artwork for NHS mental health inpatient units across the UK.
Ed Bampfylde
Consulting Team
Ed has over ten years’ experience in executive search including time spent leading Saxton Bampfylde’s research team. His main focus is on work in the arts & culture and education sectors. Ed has worked on a variety of appointments, both executive and non-executive, with a range of arts and heritage organisations as well as on a number of senior leadership roles in the higher education and the wider not-for-profit sectors. Ed has a BA in Sociology from the University of Leeds and an MA from University College London.
Jamie Wesley
Consulting Team
Jamie leads our higher education practice having joined the firm in 2012. He has advised and supported university and research-focussed clients on appointments at executive and non-executive level, primarily Chair, CEO, Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean positions. Jamie also works with organisations at the intersection of industry, academia and government such as research funders, R&D businesses, independent research institutes, learned societies, membership bodies and commercial subsidiaries. Jamie graduated with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the universities of Durham and Oxford respectively.
Pamela Leonce
Diversity and Governance Advisor
Pamela is an Advisor on diversity and governance at Saxton Bampfylde. She has extensive leadership experience having been an Executive Director across housing, health, social care and the criminal justice sector. As the Chair of Inquilab Housing association and a board member of Green Park Housing she brings a wealth of experience in company culture, governance and diversity. Her non-executive roles include: Barclays Foundation Bank, Westfield Shopping Centre and Advisor to Mayor of London Pamela is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a qualified English as a Second Language teacher.
Stephen Bampfylde
Consulting Team
Stephen is co-founder and Chairman of Saxton Bampfylde. He began his career working for IBM and Whitehall, where he spent nearly 10 years before moving into top level executive search. For 27 years he has been involved in the recruitment of executives to senior positions across all sectors. He helped establish the worldwide professional association AESC in Europe and was its international director for a number of years. Outside executive search, he has been involved with the advisory boards of the Business Schools at Cambridge and City Universities, is a Trustee of the Yvonne Arnaud theatre, and is former Chairman of the Guildford Cathedral Council. Stephen read Economics at Jesus College, Cambridge and studied corporate finance at London Business School..
Augusta Bunting
Consulting Team
Augusta has worked in executive search in the UK and Australasia and is now part of the consulting team at Saxton Bampfylde where she works predominantly on board level appointments. Augusta has led on numerous executive and non-executive assignments across the commercial, public and not for profit sectors and is part of the team here partnering with organisations to carry out board and governance reviews. She is interested in the transfer of skills across sectors and how good governance can drive success in organisations that make a difference to society. She has a first class Masters from the University of Auckland.
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Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards – Saxton Bampfylde wins the ‘Making a Difference Award’
Saxton Bampfylde has been announced as the winner in the “Making a Difference” category at the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards (RIDI)! Each year the RIDI awards bring together leading change makers in the recruitment sector to celebrate the very best of disability confident recruitment. This Award highlights those who have excelled in levelling the […]
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Insight
Board Evolution in a Time of Crisis
At the beginning of lockdown Stephen Bampfylde held a series of webinars with Patrick Dunne to discuss the challenges facing boards and the impact of the crisis on governance. These were an opportunity for Patrick to share some of the key themes coming out of his recently published book ‘Boards: A Practical Perspective’ and allowed […]
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Saxton Bampfylde wins AESC’s inaugural ‘IDEA’ Award for outstanding contribution to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in leadership
This week at their annual AESC Global Conference, the global Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) presented its inaugural “IDEA Award” for outstanding contribution to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (or “IDEA”). The AESC IDEA Award was established this year to support the goals of the AESC Diversity Pledge, signed by more than 100 CEOs of leading executive […]
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STEP – A new holistic coaching and development programme for diverse leaders
Saxton Bampfylde have been privileged to work with so many organisations who actively seek to diversify their leadership teams and provide development opportunities for their upcoming talent. As leadership advisors, we have a pivotal role to play in the development of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic leaders, and particularly those at a point of transition to […]
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Dundee Heritage Trust announces the appointment of Jim Pettigrew as its new Chair
Dundee Heritage Trust, the independent charity that cares for both the internationally significant historic ship, RRS Discovery, and Verdant Works, Dundee’s much loved social history and jute museum, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Pettigrew as its new Chair, taking over from Andy Lothian, Chief Executive Officer of Insights Group, when he retires as Chair […]
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Royal Opera House appoints David Ross as Chair of the Board of Trustees
David Ross has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Opera House, succeeding the late Ian Taylor, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The appointment was conducted by the Nominations Committee, chaired by Julian Metherell and included fellow Board members Dame Vivien Duffield, Danny Wyler, Sue Hoyle […]
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Insight
Humanity at the Heart of Digital Prosperity
Over our near 35-year history, Saxton Bampfylde has supported some of the most successful organisations in the UK and further afield, to identify and appoint senior leaders capable of building confidence and utilising their experience in times of change. During this time, one of the most fundamental changes to stem across all areas of life […]
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Leonie Bell announced as new Director of V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee has announced that Leonie Bell has been appointed its new Director. One of Scotland’s most experienced cultural leaders, Leonie has worked in a diverse range of roles, advocating for the transformative potential of culture and creativity across society. Leonie was born in Dundee and grew up in nearby Fife. She will bring authenticity, […]
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Insight
Shifting Sands: The role of the board in a crisis
Stephen Bampfylde shares his insights and observations specifically focused on the role of the Board and its evolution in the time of crisis.
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News
Complexity in Culture: Interview with Axel Rüger
As a member of the vanguard of leaders bringing a new perspective and broadened approach to leadership in our sector, we were absolutely delighted to have the chance to talk to Axel Rüger early into his journey as Secretary and Chief Executive at The Royal Academy.
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Insight
Leaning through leadership
Our latest edition of Canvas for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Industries is out now
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Insight
The virtual interview: what you need to know
With the impact of lockdown and the ban on all but ‘essential travel’, most organisations find themselves having to rely on video call / conferencing technology in order to meet candidates and carry out interviews. Although the current level of uncertainty has impacted many organisation’s appetite for making senior executive or non-executive appointments, many find […]
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News
Jenny Waldman to be next director of Art Fund
Art Fund Chair Lord Smith of Finsbury has announced that Jenny Waldman, formerly Director of 14-18 NOW, will succeed Stephen Deuchar as Director of Art Fund, who steps down on 3 April after 10 years in post. Jenny Waldman CBE was Director of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War Centenary. […]
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News
New Director for National Museums Scotland
Professor Christopher Breward has been appointed as Director of National Museums Scotland, succeeding Dr Gordon Rintoul who will step down in March 2020. He will take up the post in April 2020. Chris Breward is an established arts leader, scholar, teacher, and curator with a wealth of executive and non-executive experience across museums and galleries, […]
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A Portfolio with Purpose: interview with Benny Higgins
We were delighted to have the chance to talk to Benny Higgins and hear about his self-identified chameleon-like approach to his differing non-executive roles. As he emerges from a very successful and high profile career in financial services, most recently as inaugural CEO of Tesco Bank, Benny’s non-executive portfolio now encompasses public, not-for-profit and commercial […]
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Reach Disability Mentoring Programme – Round table event
We enjoyed a great first round-table event in the REACH disability mentoring programme. A lively discussion with an inspiring group from a range of organisations, discussing the importance of being open about disability. Our core agenda was about empowering disabled talent, specifically addressing stigma, celebrating what works, looking at blockers and generating ideas. We were […]
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Leading with James Ashton Podcast launches second series supported by Saxton Bampfylde
We are delighted to announce our support for the second series of ‘Leading with James Ashton’, a leadership podcast that speaks to people at the top of their game in business, charity, the arts and beyond. Each episode features two leaders from very different organisations discussing their take on leading vital causes, famous brand names […]
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Glenn Earle announced as new Chair of the Young Vic Board
The Young Vic has announce the appointment of Glenn Earle as the new Chair of the Board. He succeeds Patrick McKenna, who was Chair of the Young Vic board for nearly 20 years. In recognition of Patrick McKenna’s services, he was awarded a Young Vic lifetime membership. Artistic Director, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Executive Director, Despina Tsatsas of […]
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Insight
Double (no) Trouble: Taking the stress out of multiple appointments
Adding a new face to a senior leadership team can have a huge impact on the diversity of thought, range of skills and approaches to work, the team dynamics and the culture. These elements can, of course, have a significant knock-on impact for the rest of the organisation. It is essential that you are armed […]
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Saxton Bampfylde partners with Civil Service to launch new disability mentoring programme REACH
Saxton Bampfylde has teamed with the Civil Service to launch a new mentoring programme designed to help support Civil Service employees with disabilities to maximise their career potential. Mentors participating in the programme are executive level leaders from outside the Civil Service who have either a lived experience of disability or have been involved in […]
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V&A Dundee announces Tim Allan as Chair
Business leader and entrepreneur Tim Allan has been announced as the new Chair of the Board of V&A Dundee. Tim Allan succeeds the founding Chair of V&A Dundee, Lesley Knox, who has led the Board from 2010. Philip Long, Director of V&A Dundee, said: “I am delighted that the Board has appointed Tim Allan as […]
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LAMDA appoints Royal Exchange’s Sarah Frankcom to lead as new Director
LAMDA has announced the appointment of acclaimed theatre director Sarah Frankcom as its new Director. Bringing world class industry experience, Frankcom joins from the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester where she has been Artistic Director for the last five years. Speaking on her appointment, Sarah Frankcom said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as LAMDA’s new Director. […]
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News
Axel Rϋger appointed as new Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of the Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) announced that Axel Rϋger has been appointed as the new Secretary and Chief Executive. He replaces Sir Charles Saumarez Smith who stepped down at the end of 2018. Rϋger is currently the Director of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Rüger spent his early career in museums in the […]
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Carlos Acosta CBE appointed as new Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced that internationally renowned Carlos Acosta CBE has been appointed as its new Director. He will take up his appointment in January 2020. The appointment follows an open competition and extensive international search by Birmingham Royal Ballet Board, supported by an expert panel of leading figures in the dance world. It […]
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Benny Higgins named new Chair of Sistema
Sistema Scotland, the charity which runs the Big Noise programme for children living in disadvantaged areas, today announced the appointment of Benny Higgins as its new Chair. Benny, who grew up in Govanhill, where one of the charity’s Big Noise centres is based, will succeed Richard Holloway, Sistema Scotland’s founder, who will retire as Chair […]
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Citizens Theatre appoints new Executive Director / Joint CEO
The Citizens Theatre has announced that Alex McGowan has been appointed as the new Executive Director to work alongside Artistic Director Dominic Hill as joint Chief Executive from 2019. Alex has been Executive Director and joint Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in Edinburgh for the last eight years. During that time he has […]
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Lucy Casot named new CEO of Museum Galleries Scotland
Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) has announced the appointment of Lucy Casot as CEO. With a strong background in Scotland’s cultural sector Lucy brings extensive knowledge and experience to the role. Lucy leaves her post as Head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Scotland where she has overseen a great variety of grants to Scotland’s museums and […]
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Proudly sponsoring ‘Ladies of Quality & Distinction’ at the Foundling Museum
Saxton Bampfylde are delighted to be principal sponsors of the ‘Ladies of Quality and Distinction’ exhibition at The Foundling Museum, London. The exhibition uncovers and celebrates the untold stories of the women throughout history who have been the unacknowledged driving forces behind schemes including the establishment of the original Foundling Hospital. The message of this […]
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Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre appoints new Theatre Director
Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is excited to announce that Joanna Read has been appointed as the venue’s Chief Executive and Theatre Director. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Chairman, Julian Bird said: “From a list of outstanding applicants, Joanna shone through with her experience, her knowledge of the sector, her passion for regional theatre and her vision for […]
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Insight
Sparking the Creative Flame: Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul
Looking back at his formative years in Palestine, Professor Bashir Makhoul reflects on what experiences, attitudes and outside influences have contributed to his remarkable journey from work on a building site aged 13 in Galilee to becoming Vice-Chancellor of a specialist arts institution in the UK. An artist and an academic, his joined-up vision of […]
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Insight
Mind the Gap – Our latest Insight on Leadership and Succession Planning in the UK’s Arts and Culture Sector
Saxton Bampfylde has been engaged in finding the leaders to drive forward the UK’s thriving arts and culture scene for the past 30 years. This work has involved advising and partnering with a huge cross-section of organisations and institutions, from the iconic and world leading to the small and distinctive. It is with this in-depth […]
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Insight
The Creative Pulse: Interview with John Kampfner
We talk to John Kampfner about the evolution of the Creative Industries Federation, what is driving it and how it is making a difference for its members. John looks at the challenges and opportunities the sector is facing and why its fearless approach is making an impact at home and internationally. Since the Creative Industries […]
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National Museums Liverpool names Laura Pye as its new director
Laura Pye, the head of culture for Bristol City Council, has been appointed the Director of National Museums Liverpool (NML). She will take up the role in August, replacing David Fleming who retired as the head of the service in March and has taken up a role at Liverpool Hope University. Pye, who was born […]
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English National Opera appoints new Chief Executive
Stuart Murphy, former Director of Sky Entertainment Channels, has been appointed Chief Executive of English National Opera (ENO). He will take up the post on the 3 April, joining Daniel Kramer and Martyn Brabbins on ENO’s leadership team. He succeeds Cressida Pollock who announced in September last year that she would be stepping down from […]
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CANVAS is a regular insights update from Saxton Bampfylde.We aim to share interesting thoughts and perspectives on topics and issues that are relevant and current across sectors.
Arts, Culture & Creative Industries – Summer 2020