Darren Henley Appointed Chief Executive of Arts Council England

Darren Henley has been appointed as the new chief executive of Arts Council England, succeeding Alan Davey. Henley previously served as head of Classic FM for 15 years. Davey departed after seven years to become controller of BBC Radio, having guided the organization through significant challenges including a 50% reduction in administrative costs and a one-third cut in government funding. Henley acknowledged Davey's legacy in enabling artistic work and expressed his intention to collaborate with national and area council chairs to advocate for art and culture's personal, social, and economic importance. The appointment was reported by The Guardian on 17 December 2014.