It's time for some breaking news concerning the return of a very familiar name.
The Royal Society Of Arts (RSA) has today (July 1) announced the appointment of former chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK David Joseph CBE as its new CEO.
Joseph will formally take up the post in September, succeeding Andy Haldane.
One of the UK’s most respected creative industries and media executives, an official press release stated Joseph will now bring to the RSA “a unique blend of creative leadership and commercial expertise, alongside a commitment to the RSA’s collaborative and inclusive values, its global Fellowship, now in the tens of thousands across 115 countries, and its role in effecting social impact over the course of its 271-year history.”
As a recap, Joseph led Universal Music UK as chairman and CEO for 17 years, overseeing a period of extraordinary transformation and commercial success.
Joseph began his career in advertising before moving into music and rising through the ranks of artist development and label management. He became chairman and CEO at Universal Music UK in 2008. As well as chairing several critically acclaimed BRIT Award shows, he was also an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 Amy documentary.
I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together
David Joseph
Outside of his commercial achievements, he pioneered Universal Music’s Creative Differences initiative in 2019, producing the first industry handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, which has reached more than 200 organisations across the globe.
Joseph was also a founding board member of Julie’s Bicycle, helping to lead the cultural sector’s response to the climate crisis, and served on the National Council of Arts Council England for eight years. In 2013, Joseph worked with Baroness Doreen Lawrence to drive music industry support for Unity, to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder. As chair of the Grenfell Foundation, he continues to advocate for justice and policy reform, focusing on community advocacy.
We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world
Sir Loyd Grossman, RSA
In September 2024, Joseph announced that he was stepping down and planning to study a Master's in Religion and Theology at King's College London. Joseph has now completed the first year of his MA and has delayed the final year in order to take on the prestigious role.
The RSA – the patron of which is the Princess Royal – have shared their excitement about Joseph's appointment.
Speaking about the appointing, Sir Loyd Grossman, chair of the RSA, said: “David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary. We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world. These qualities make David superbly placed to lead the RSA into its next vital phase, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
David Joseph added: “The RSA has a remarkable heritage and untapped potential. At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change – uniting its rich tradition of arts, creativity and policy influence with the energy of its global Fellowship to spark ideas that shape society. I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together”.
Photo: Chris Floyd
