Help Musicians, which supports professional musicians across the UK in times of crisis, has appointed Sarah Woods (pictured) as its new chief executive.
Woods, who has served as interim chief executive at the charity since May and takes the reins with immediate effect, succeeds James Ainscough, who left the charity earlier this year to become chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall.
Woods has been with Help Musicians since 2018, having joined as director of engagement and progressed to deputy chief executive.
Prior to Help Musicians, Woods also worked at the Royal Albert Hall, initially in a box office role and later as its director of customer relations, subsequently becoming its director of external affairs.
Bob Shennan, chair of Help Musicians, said: “Sarah has proved herself to be an exceptional leader and a real visionary. She is the perfect person to take the charity to the next level.”
Woods said: “Music has always played an important role in my life. It is therefore a privilege to be the charity’s next chief executive and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively across the sector to help more people working in music build sustainable and healthy careers.
“This is an exciting time to lead the team and… we are ambitious about making an even greater difference to musical life across the UK in the years to come.”