News / Bristol Beacon
Simon Wales named as Bristol Beacon’s new chief exec
At the newly transformed Bristol Beacon, there is already a Simons’ Bar.
And now there will be another Simon at the venue with Simon Wales becoming the Beacon’s new chief executive from August.
Wales will arrive in Bristol from his current role as chief executive of Stowe House Preservation Trust, having previously also worked at organisations including Waddesdon Manor and with the London Symphony Orchestra.
is needed now More than ever
“I have followed the transformation of Bristol Beacon’s venue and organisation with admiration,” said Wales, who will take on the leadership of the Beacon from Louise Mitchell who departs in the summer after 12 years.
“The Beacon has become a champion and focal point for music and music education in the city, and it is clear that Louise and her team are working hard to make sure that the venue is reflective of and welcoming to the city’s diverse communities.
“I know Bristol well and I can’t to wait to pick up the Bristol Beacon baton from Louise, take on her incredible legacy, and lead this music charity onto the next stage of its journey for the people of Bristol and beyond.”
Simon Wales is an experienced arts and cultural leader who has led music and heritage organisations and instigated cultural and commercial change across his career – photo: Chris Cooper / ShotAway
Bristol Music Trust chair, Jonathan Dimbleby, said that he is “absolutely delighted” that Wales will be taking over as chief executive at the Beacon.
Dimbleby said: “He has many years of experience in the arts, and brings with him passion, determination and fresh ideas as we look to the future.
“We were unanimous in our decision that he was the right person to lead the Beacon into its next era with transparency, equity and inclusion as his guiding principles, as well as bringing a knowledge, love and passion for music of all kinds.”
He added: “Louise Mitchell has done a truly outstanding job of leading Bristol Beacon over the last 12 years and will be going out on a high, having overseen the once-in-a-generation transformation of the venue, leading the city’s music education hub with renewed funding and a widened remit to work across the region, and – since the reopening – securing the BBC Proms to perform at the Beacon this summer, bringing global audiences to the venue.
“I know that Simon is committed to continuing her legacy and working hard to serve the audiences, musicians and communities of Bristol and the South West.”
Main photo: Chris Cooper / ShotAway
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