Roger Wright, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and Director of the BBC Proms, will be leaving both positions in early September to take on the role of Chief Executive at Aldeburgh Music.
Wright, 57, has been the driving force behind the development of Radio 3 and the BBC orchestras and, under his leadership, it has become the largest commissioner of new music in the UK. He has ensured that the corporation continues to emphasise music and strengthen its support of younger artists.
With around two million weekly listeners, Wright has spent the last 15 years leading Radio 3 to a position where it excels in its role as the BBC’s home of classical music and a leading broadcaster of the arts.
Tony Hall, BBC Director-General, said: 'Over the last 15 years Roger has made a huge contribution to the BBC, through the success of both Radio 3 and seven seasons of the Proms. He has been a fantastic champion of classical music across the BBC and has raised the profile of the Proms every year.'
Aldeburgh Music is one of the most prominent music organisations in Europe, staging the annual Aldeburgh Festival, founded by Benjamin Britten, and the Britten Festival last November to mark Britten's centenary.
Simon Robey, Chairman of the Council of Aldeburgh Music said: 'Roger knows and loves Aldeburgh Music and understands its particular place in the artistic and wider life of its region, as well as its national and international role. He will bring an exceptional breadth and depth of experience to all we do. I am confident that, building on the remarkable achievements of his predecessor, Jonathan Reekie, he will lead Aldeburgh Music to even greater heights. I am very excited about the future of this extraordinary place.'
The BBC has announced that recruitment for both posts will take place in due course.
Holly Harrison