Britten Pears Arts names new CEO

Britten Pears Arts has today announced the appointment of Andrew Comben to the role of chief executive officer. Taking up his new role in September 2024, Comben succeeds Roger Wright CBE who leaves Britten Pears Arts after a decade at the helm.

The appointment follows an extensive search process led by global executive search and assessment firm Saxton Bampfylde. Comben joins Britten Pears Arts from Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival where he has held the role of chief executive since 2008. Taking up his new role in the autumn, his appointment follows the conclusion of Britten Pears Arts’ 75^th Aldeburgh Festival.

Comben said: ‘The legacy of Britten and Pears, and the work of the organisation that has grown from their vision, is a beacon for artists and audiences and for anyone passionate about the role music and the arts can play in society. I am honoured to become the next chief executive of Britten Pears Arts, and I look forward to working with its brilliant staff team and Board to develop its next chapter together. I want to pay tribute to my predecessors, particularly Roger Wright, for their dedication to establishing the conditions for artists to do their best work and I look forward to building on their achievements.’

Comben brings to his new role experience gained across over 30 years of working in the UK arts sector with organisations including the Wigmore Hall and Young Concert Artists Trust and builds on his existing relationship with Britten Pears Arts where he was director of the charity’s young artist programme). At Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival he established Brighton Festival’s annual guest director model, expanded the organisation’s engagement initiatives and oversaw the restoration and redevelopment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre venues.

Sir Simon Robey, chair of Britten Pears Arts’ Board of Trustees, said: ‘Our appointment of Andrew brings back to Britten Pears Arts someone we know well. After he left us in 2003, he enjoyed success at the Wigmore Hall and, in particular, has led Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival with distinction for the last 16 years… There will be other occasions to mark Roger’s truly exceptional contribution to Britten Pears Arts; today is a day to celebrate the appointment of such a wonderful successor.’