The National Concert Hall has announced the appointment of Robert Read as its new Chief Executive Officer. Read, who most recently worked as Managing Director of the Kings Place music and arts venue in London, will begin his new role on 1 February, following the retirement of Simon Taylor last year. 

Commenting on his new role, Read said

I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to be leading the National Concert Hall and extremely excited about joining at this pivotal moment in its history. I’m looking forward to working with our Chairperson, the Board, the NCH team and all our partners as we work towards reopening the hall as a symbol of national pride and, once again, presenting life-enhancing, world-class music to our audiences. 

Read is credited with leading Kings Place through a period of success in terms of audience growth, financial stability and raising its profile in the industry. Prior to joining the venue, he worked as Chief Operating Officer with DACS, the UK’s visual rights management organisation, and before that as Operations Director with Tate Enterprises, the commercial arm of Tate Gallery. He has also worked with the BBC and holds other roles including Chair of the FPS (Free Painters and Sculptors) group and advisor to Arts Working Group. He is a former member of Islington Council’s Cultural Leadership Team and until recently sat on English National Ballet’s Enterprises Working Group.

Maura McGrath, Chairperson of NCH, commented: 

I am delighted to announce Mr Robert Read as our new CEO. Robert steps in to lead the NCH at a significant time as we welcome the transfer of RTÉ NSO, prepare for our major redevelopment and, in particular as we respond to the challenges of the pandemic, finding new ways to stay connected with artists, audiences, and the public throughout this difficult time. We recognise the important contribution music can make to the healing and wellbeing of society and our nation. I look forward to working with Robert and all at NCH as we work towards a brighter future.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank former CEO Simon Taylor for his leadership in steering the NCH towards this period of development and for the success he achieved during his tenure, in diversifying our programme of activity, growing audiences, and ensuring the advancement of our redevelopment plans.  

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