(Credit: Dan Kennedy)

The Royal College of Music (RCM) has appointed Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE as its next chair of council.

Casely-Hayford, who currently serves as a non-executive director on the Department for Education Board and is a member of the Oxford Street Development Corporation Board, will take up the position in August 2027. She succeeds Lord Black.

Casely-Hayford’s career includes nine years as director of legal services and company secretary at the John Lewis Partnership and 20 years as a partner at the law firm Dentons. She previously chaired Shakespeare’s Globe from 2018-24, served as chancellor of Coventry University from 2017-24, and chaired ActionAid UK. She was awarded a CBE in 2018 for services to charity and diversity.

“I look forward to supporting the College as it continues to expand its global influence, champion artistic excellence and open doors for talented young musicians from all backgrounds,” Casely-Hayford said, per an official press release.