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James Ainscough named new Help Musicians UK CEO

By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 21 December 2018

Music charity Help Musicians UK has announced the appointment of James Ainscough as its new permanent CEO. Ainscough initially joined the organisation back in April as interim Financial Director, before becoming interim CEO in July, following the sudden departure of his predecessor Richard Robinson.

“On behalf of all the trustees, I am delighted to announce that James Ainscough has been appointed to the position of permanent Chief Executive at Help Musicians UK”, said the charity’s Chair Graham Sheffield. “This appointment has been made following an exhaustive and rigorous search process”.

Ainscough adds: “Help Musicians UK has been doing great work for decades to support and empower musicians through all stages of their lives and it is a privilege to take the helm as the charity approaches its centenary in 2021”.

“In recent years”, he goes on, “we have been working hard to reach out to professional musicians of all ages, all genres and from all areas of the UK with research-based initiatives and funding programmes where the need is greatest. This will continue, with a growing emphasis on supporting musicians’ health, welfare and careers in a joined-up way”.

He continues: “I am hugely grateful for the encouragement and support that the trustees have shown me. Help Musicians UK wants a world where musicians thrive, and I am delighted to work together with the trustees and our exceptional staff team as we play our part in fulfilling this vision”.

Prior to joining HMUK, Ainscough spent a decade at the Royal Albert Hall, initially as Finance Director, before moving up to COO in 2015.