Former BBC exec poised to become chairman of English National Ballet
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A former BBC executive and chief of Odeon Cinemas is poised to become the next chairman of English National Ballet (ENB), it has been reported.
According to Sky News, Sir Rupert Gavin, the ex-CEO of BBC Worldwide, a defunct subsidiary tasked with selling BBC content across the world before it merged with BBC Studios, has been picked to succeed Sir Roger Carr, who stepped down last year.
Sir Rupert also spearheaded Odeon Cinemas and UCI Cinemas Group and has held various titles with arts and cultural groups that led the Evening Standard to brand him “Mr West End” in 2012.
With an announcement likely imminent, his appointment would come amid debate surrounding the funding of London’s arts scene.
Sir Rupert, who also served as chairman of Historic Royal Palaces, was knighted for services to drama, the arts and heritage in the King’s birthday honours list last summer.
‘Punishing’ the capital
In November, Tamara Rojo, the ENB’s former artistic director, accused Arts Council England of “simplistic” decision-making as she claimed transferring money out of London is “punishing” the capital without helping anybody.
In November 2022, Arts Council England announced tens of millions had been cut from some of London’s best known institutions, while some lost funding altogether. An extra £43 million was earmarked for culture provision outside the capital.
The English National Opera announced last month that Manchester will be its new home following a row over the company’s forced move from London.
