It has been announced today that Tony Hales CBE, Chair of the Greenwich Foundation and a board member of the Welsh National Opera, has been appointed the Chair of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Tony will take over the role when Dame Colette Bowe ends her term in September 2018. Speaking about the appointment, Michael Elliott, Chief Executive at ABRSM said: "Tony is a champion of music and the arts with considerable commercial and non-executive experience. In his former role of Chair of the Canals and Rivers Trust, he led the organisation through its most transformative period yet. I’m thrilled that ABRSM will now benefit from his insight and guidance. Our excitement at Tony’s arrival is only tempered by sadness at Colette’s departure next year. We owe her a great debt of gratitude for her truly outstanding leadership and her intelligent championing of music education, the Royal Schools of Music and our ambitious change and good governance programmes. Tony Hales said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to succeed Dame Colette Bowe as Chair of ABRSM. This is an enormous honour, given the 128 year history of the organisation, its success in recent years and the crucial role that it plays in supporting musical progression and music education around the world.” After the appointment was made by the board of trustees, Dame Colette Bowe said: "Tony Hales brings a wealth of experience as a businessman with international insight. He will lead the board of trustees and executives in delivering a strategy to boost involvement and standards in music. I am delighted to have served as Chair of ABRSM for over six years and will be pleased to pass the baton to Tony.” Over the next 12 months, Tony will work with Colette and the ABRSM board of trustees ahead of taking up the position in September 2018. ENDS For further press information, please contact: Tríona Doherty,
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www.abrsm.org/press About ABRSM ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education organisation, one of its largest music publishers and the world’s leading provider of music exams, offering assessments to more than 600,000 candidates in over 90 countries every year. ABRSM’s mission is to inspire achievement in music. In partnership with the Royal Schools of Music, we support high-quality music-making and learning around the world. We offer pathways and resources for learners and teachers that help build musical skills, provide goals and encourage progress. About Tony Hales Former chair of Canal & River Trust, Tony is currently chairman of the Greenwich Foundation which is responsible for the famous Old Royal Naval College. Tony is also a trustee of Welsh National Opera and a great supporter of arts for young people. He was previously chief executive of Allied Domecq, chair of NAAFI and British Waterways. He was awarded a CBE for services to the armed forces. Tony is married to Linda and has four children.