Glyndebourne has announced that Richard Davidson-Houston as its Managing Director.

Davidson-Houston, who has served as the company’s Director for Audience Development and Media over the last two years, will work alongside Artistic Director Stephen Langridge in pursuing the company’s artistic goals.

He will take over for Sarah Hopwood, who is set to retire from her role after 25 years with the company; she is set to join the Board of Trustees.

“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to lead this immensely skilled and creatively ambitious team and to invent the future of Glyndebourne together. Coming here has already been a life-changing experience and I am very excited about what lies ahead.” Davidson-Houston said in an official press statement.

“It is especially pleasing that, after an extensive, externally-led search the top candidate is Richard. I am confident that he has the inclusive leadership style, strategic insight and executional excellence that are so important to a leading, innovative arts organization, as we work together towards Glyndebourne’s 100th anniversary in 2034,” added Executive Chair Gus Christie.

Davidson-Houston’s previous experience include working in senior roles at Channel 4 and Microsoft.