Music venue and charity Bristol Beacon has appointed a new chief executive. Simon Wales will take over from Louise Mitchell, who is stepping down after 12 years, in August.
Mr Wales joins from Stowe House Preservation Trust – a charity that raises funds and provides public access to the historic buildings at Stowe School. He has also worked at National Trust property Waddesdon Manor and with the London Symphony Orchestra as director of the LSO St Luke’s music education centre and B Music (Town Hall Symphony Hall) in Birmingham.
The singer and former cellist is a trustee of various charities and is currently chair of Motionhouse, a dance circus company based in Leamington Spa.
He said: “I have followed the transformation of Bristol Beacon’s venue and organisation with admiration. 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."
The historic Bristol city centre music venue, which first opened its doors in 1867, changed its name from Colston Hall to Bristol Beacon in 2020. The venue after a five-year £132m refurbishment.
Jonathan Dimbleby, chair of Bristol Music Trust, the charity that runs Bristol Beacon, said Ms Mitchell would be "going out on a high", having overseen the "once-in-a-generation transformation" of the venue.
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"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," he said.
Mr Wales added: "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. As a singer and music lover this role really is a dream position for me.”
