Ralph Bernard, the former chairman and chief executive of GCap Media, has been named as the new chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall. He replaces David Elliott in the role.
Bernard, who will be replacing David Elliott who retires from the Royal Albert Hall in May after 11 years, has held a number of positions in the arts including chairman of the Central School of Ballet and director of the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.
Bernard has played a major role in the UK radio industry over the past 25 years. He founded Classic FM and was chief executive of radio group GWR from 1982 to 2005, when he helped engineer the merger with Capital Radio to create GCap Media. He remains chairman of commercial digital radio multiplex Digital One, which is co-owned by Global Radio and Arquiva.
"I am enormously excited to be joining one of the world's leading entertainment venues," said Bernard. "I am determined to ensure that it continues to play a central role in our cultural life."
