Simon Wallis to lead Royal Academy as chief executive
Simon Wallis has been appointed secretary and chief executive of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, succeeding Axel Rüger, who departs in September 2025 to become director of the Frick Collection in New York. Wallis currently serves as director of the Hepworth Wakefield and has previously held roles at Chisenhale Gallery, ICA London, Tate Liverpool, and Kettle's Yard, Cambridge. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Royal Academicians and staff to advance the RA's charitable mission. Wallis will assume the position in September 2025.
Key facts
- Simon Wallis appointed secretary and chief executive of Royal Academy of Arts
- He succeeds Axel Rüger, who leaves in September 2025
- Rüger becomes Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen director at Frick Collection, New York
- Wallis currently director of Hepworth Wakefield
- Previous roles: Chisenhale Gallery, ICA London, Tate Liverpool, Kettle's Yard
- Wallis starts in September 2025
- Appointment announced by Royal Academy of Arts
Entities
Institutions
- Royal Academy of Arts
- Hepworth Wakefield
- Chisenhale Gallery
- Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
- Tate Liverpool
- Kettle's Yard
- Frick Collection
Locations
- London
- Wakefield
- Cambridge
- New York