David Joseph has been appointed as the new chief executive of the RSA and will take up the post in September.
Joseph is one of the UK’s most respected creative industries and media executives, having been chairman and chief executive of Universal Music UK for 17 years. In that period, the UK’s leading music company achieved both creative and commercial success, with Joseph spearheading its evolution into a global exporter of British creativity at its best.
Beginning his career in advertising before moving into music, Joseph rose through the ranks of artist development and label management, before becoming chairman and CEO at Universal Music UK in 2008. His career has been characterised by a values-driven approach to leadership, with kindness and collaboration at its heart.
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.”
Joseph has consistently used his platform to drive change. In 2019, he launched Universal Music UK’s Creative Differences initiative, producing an industry handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace that has subsequently reached more than 200 organisations.
Joseph helped to lead the cultural sector’s response to the climate crisis as a founding board member of climate action group Julie’s Bicycle, and served on the National Council of Arts Council England for eight years.
In 2013, he worked with Baroness Lawrence to drive music industry support for Unity, a concert marking the 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder. And, as chair of the Grenfell Foundation, Joseph continues to advocate for justice and policy reform.
At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change.
RSA Chair Sir Loyd Grossman described Joseph’s desire to effect social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people as “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,” he said.
Joseph said that the RSA has a “remarkable heritage and untapped potential”, and that he was “excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together”.
He added: “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.”
Vicky Kington is the RSA’s Director of Content and Communications
Photograph by Chris Floyd
The RSA Fellowship is a unique global network of changemakers enabling people, places and the planet to flourish. We invite you to be part of this change.
