Alan Davey to leave ACE
Arts council’s chief executive appointed controller of BBC Radio 3
Alan Davey is to leave as chief executive of Arts Council England to take up the position of controller of BBC Radio 3.
He has been at the arts council since 2007, having previously worked as director for culture at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
“When I was approached about applying to be controller of Radio 3 I knew that it would be the only job I could conceive of leaving the arts council for,” Davey said.
“Well, I eventually said yes to applying, and now I can confirm that I have got the job. As well as feeling excited (and a little dazed) I really am feeling sad at the same time. You’ve been a wonderful bunch of people to work with; the things we do in our sector are amazing and change peoples' lives.”
Davey will remain at the arts council for three months, taking up the new position in January 2015.
Peter Bazalgette, the chairman of the arts council, said it was too early to speculate who might replace Davey but confirmed that the search for a new chief executive would start immediately.
“I’m confident we will all be able to get on with the big tasks we face in the coming year. We must continue to support the arts and culture sector,” Bazalgette said. “And we must focus on making the case to a new government for the value of culture.
“There will be moments for all of us to thank Alan and reflect on his achievements before he leaves us but let me take this opportunity to be the first. Radio 3 is indeed lucky to get him.”
Davey succeeds Roger Wright, who stepped down earlier this year after 15 years as controller.
He has been at the arts council since 2007, having previously worked as director for culture at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
“When I was approached about applying to be controller of Radio 3 I knew that it would be the only job I could conceive of leaving the arts council for,” Davey said.
“Well, I eventually said yes to applying, and now I can confirm that I have got the job. As well as feeling excited (and a little dazed) I really am feeling sad at the same time. You’ve been a wonderful bunch of people to work with; the things we do in our sector are amazing and change peoples' lives.”
Davey will remain at the arts council for three months, taking up the new position in January 2015.
Peter Bazalgette, the chairman of the arts council, said it was too early to speculate who might replace Davey but confirmed that the search for a new chief executive would start immediately.
“I’m confident we will all be able to get on with the big tasks we face in the coming year. We must continue to support the arts and culture sector,” Bazalgette said. “And we must focus on making the case to a new government for the value of culture.
“There will be moments for all of us to thank Alan and reflect on his achievements before he leaves us but let me take this opportunity to be the first. Radio 3 is indeed lucky to get him.”
Davey succeeds Roger Wright, who stepped down earlier this year after 15 years as controller.