Ben Saffell appointed Chief Executive of Making Music
Making Music has appointed Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive, following a period in which he served as Interim CEO of the UK membership organisation.
Saffell has worked at Making Music for more than 12 years, holding senior roles spanning membership, operations, strategy and advocacy.
The organisation represents almost 4,000 leisure-time music groups across the UK, including choirs, orchestras, bands and music promoters. As Chief Executive, Saffell will lead its work supporting those groups and representing their interests with policymakers, funders and other organisations across the sector.
Saffell said that music groups created significant cultural, social, economic and wellbeing benefits in communities across the UK.
‘The role of music in society and in our everyday lives has never been more important,’ he said. ‘Making Music, together with our brilliant members, can help ensure those benefits are understood, realised and available to everyone.’
He added that he was looking forward to working with Making Music’s staff and trustees to ‘build on our strong foundations, strengthen our impact and support the wonderful people who make music groups happen’.
Margaret Harrison, Chair of Trustees at Making Music, said the board had been unanimously impressed by Saffell’s ‘commitment, insight and vision’ and was confident in his leadership of the organisation.
Making Music provides advice, resources, services and advocacy for leisure-time music organisations throughout the UK.