Aesop is thrilled to announce the appointment of a new Interim CEO, Anna Williams. This follows the death of Aesop founder and Chief Executive Tim Joss in a cycling accident in January. Anna was previously at Birmingham Royal Ballet for 30 years, working as Finance Director, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive.
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Professor Kevin Fenton CBE said:
“The past few months have been a challenging period for Aesop and our exemplar programme Dance to Health, with the sudden passing of our much-loved colleague and leader, Tim.
“We are incredibly grateful for the work and leadership of our staff and trustees, who have worked collaboratively during this time. We are now thrilled to welcome Anna, an exceptional candidate with a wealth of experience in the performing arts and charity sectors.
“We are confident that Anna’s proven track record in organisational resilience, financial management, and her commitment to artistic expression make her the ideal candidate to lead Aesop through the next phase. She will work closely with the trustees to develop and implement a strategic vision and plan that ensures the continued success of our vital work.
“Anna’s appointment represents not only a new chapter for our organisation but also another beacon of hope and stability as we move forward together to build a strong organisation and continue Tim’s vision.”
Qualified as a Chartered Accountant, besides her work at the BRB, Anna has extensive non-executive experience including at The Young Vic, Theatre Development Trust and Bath Festivals (where Tim Joss was director for 10 years).
On her appointment, Anna said:
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead Aesop as Interim CEO and to build on the vision and ambition of the charity’s founder Tim Joss. Tim was a bold and committed social entrepreneur. I first met him when he was Chief Executive of the Rayne Foundation and was immediately struck by his intelligence and drive to extend the impact of the arts sector.
“Having worked in the arts sector for the past 30 years, I am also an ardent advocate for the benefits of arts-based activity for social good. Aesop is at the vanguard of building both an evidence base and a network of practitioners and providers to promote wider distribution of effective solutions such as the flagship ‘Dance to Health’ programme.
“In the coming weeks, I will begin to create an organisational and operational strategy which can build and support successful relationships and effective practice across arts, health and social care. I look forward to celebrating and amplifying Tim’s legacy by working alongside the skilled board and staff team.”
Anna commences her role on May 7th 2024. For all enquiries, please email info@ae-sop.org.
