Two masked dancers look down at an illuminated chess board

Guy Perricone to become Northern Ballet’s new Chair

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18 July 2022
Northern Ballet is pleased to announce that Guy Perricone will succeed Sir David Wootton as Chair from 25 July 2022. 

Guy Perricone brings significant experience of the arts and arts education. Since 2015, he has been Chair of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). His successful tenure at RAD has included significant fundraising, a major £19.5m project to relocate the RAD to a new headquarters in Battersea, and succession planning for the senior leadership team including appointing a new CEO.  

Earlier in his career, after qualifying as a solicitor, he worked for 20 years in investment banking. He subsequently became Managing Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, then Chief Executive of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. He joined the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple as Chief Executive and Under Treasurer in 2013. He was previously Chairman and Treasurer of the Council of Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex.

Guy Perricone wearing a red tie, blue shirt, a jacket and glasses.

"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be joining Northern Ballet as Chair. It's a fantastic company and I'm very much looking forward to working with Mark Skipper DL, Federico Bonelli, my fellow trustees, and the team at Northern Ballet. I can't wait to get started."

Guy Perricone

He succeeds Bradford-born Sir David Wootton, a former Lord Mayor of the City of London and elected head of the City of London Corporation from November 2011 to November 2012 who was awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s 2013 New Year’s Honours list for services to legal business, charity and the City of London. Sir David departs the role after nine highly successful years chairing the organisation under the leadership team of Mark Skipper DL and David Nixon CBE, culminating in the appointment of Northern Ballet’s new Artistic Director, Federico Bonelli, in spring 2022.  

Mark Skipper DL, Chief Executive of Northern Ballet said:

“At a challenging time for all of us in the arts, I am delighted that Guy will bring his extensive knowledge of dance to Northern Ballet ensuring that the company goes from strength to strength. I would also like to thank Sir David Wootton for his incredible support as Chair over the last nine years.”  

Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet said:  

“I am extremely happy that Guy Perricone is joining the Board of Northern Ballet as our new Chair. I am excited that Guy will bring his considerable knowledge and experience to bear, and I look forward to working with him as he contributes to the bright future of our vibrant Company.  

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sir David Wootton for the invaluable support he has given to Northern Ballet, and to me personally, during his distinguished tenure as Chair.”