Benedetti Foundation Appoints New Chief Executive

Theater producer and arts leader Paul Fitzpatrick has been appointed to the newly-created position

Scotland's Benedetti Foundation has announced that for the first time in its five-year history, it will appoint a Chief Executive Officer. The Scottish cultural leader Paul Fitzpatrick has been given the position and will begin his tenure on May 12, 2025.

The foundation was created in 2019 by the Scottish violinist and music education advocate Nicola Benedetti to enrich the UK’s education communities through group music training. Since its founding, the Benedetti Foundation has worked with close to 75,000 participants of all ages and levels, instrumentalists and non-instrumentalists alike, across 105 countries.

Previously, Fitzpatrick was Director of Creative Engagement at the National Theatre of Scotland, where he led productions that were conceived in tandem with local communities, as well as running projects in education settings.

Fitzpatrick has also previously been Chief Executive of Imaginate, which promotes, develops, and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people — alongside producing the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.

He also served as Producer and joint CEO at the Catherine Wheels Theatre Company between 2002 and 2015 and was a long-standing producer for the renowned Scottish theater-maker Shona Reppe.

At the Benedetti Foundation, he will work closely alongside Benedetti to determine the strategic direction of the organization, and will also manage its fast-growing team.

"I am thrilled to be joining The Benedetti Foundation at such an exciting and pivotal time," Fitzpatrick said. "Music education was my way into the arts as a child, and that truly changed my life. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every young person — regardless of background — has access to the transformative power of the arts. I look forward to working with Nicola, the team, and the wider Foundation community to build on its incredible success and help shape its future."

"I am thrilled to announce Paul Fitzpatrick as our first Chief Executive," said Nicola Benedetti. "He brings outstanding education and community experience, as well as a genuine passion, drive and commitment to young people. His values and beliefs are deeply aligned with who we are and what we stand for, and I am truly excited to see what we can achieve together. I can’t wait to get started."