Former head of major music company appointed RSA chief

The Royal Society of Arts has appointed the former head of a major music company as its next chief executive. 

David Joseph, who last year stepped down after 17 years as chair and chief executive of Universal Music UK, will succeed Andy Haldane, who announced in February that he would retire after four years in the role. 

The RSA said Joseph, who began his career in advertising before moving into music, rose through the ranks of artist development and label management before being appointed to the top job at Universal Music UK in 2008. 

The charity said that in 2019, Joseph pioneered an initiative at Universal Music that produced the first industry handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, which has reached more than 200 organisations worldwide. 

He was a founding board member of Julie’s Bicycle, which helped to lead the cultural sector’s response to the climate crisis, and spent eight years on the national council of Arts Council England 

He has been chair of the Grenfell Foundation, which supports survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire, since December, having been vice-chair since 2017. 

He was appointed CBE in 2016 for services to the music industry. 

Joseph said: “The RSA has a remarkable heritage and untapped potential. At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change – uniting its rich tradition of arts, creativity and policy influence with the energy of its global fellowship to spark ideas that shape society.”

Sir Loyd Grossman, chair of the RSA, said: “David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary.  

“We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world. 

“These qualities make David superbly placed to lead the RSA into its next vital phase, and we are thrilled to have him on board.” 

Joseph will join the RSA in September. Haldane stepped down on 30 June.