Rothschild Foundation Charity Appoints New Chief Executive

Roger Wright, who was previously Chief Executive of Britten Pears Arts, will step into the role

Established in 2010, the Rothschild Foundation is a charity that supports the arts, heritage, the environment, and social welfare — largely through the awarding of grants, but also through its support of the National Trust property Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, England.

The Foundation recently announced that Sir Roger Wright has been appointed as its new Chief Executive. Wright comes to the role following a decade at the helm of Britten-Pears Arts, where he oversaw the acquisition of the organization's Snape Maltings site, as well as its new campus.

Wright also presided over a merger with Britten Pears Foundation to create Britten-Pears Arts and safely guided the new organization through the pandemic. This work was recognized with an award from the Association of British Orchestras.

Wright has spent several decades working in the top echelon of Britain's culture sector. From 1998 to 2014 he was Controller of BBC Radio 3, and from 2007 to 2014 he was the Director of BBC Proms.

"Sir Roger brings immense gravitas, inspiration and experience to the Rothschild Foundation," said Dame Hannah Rothschild, Chair of the Rothschild Foundation. "The Trustees have been overwhelmingly impressed by his deep-rooted love of the arts, his commitment to charitable causes, his management prowess and his track record of inspiring and transformational leadership. Sir Roger will help shape and realize the organization’s ambitious new targets and projects."

"I am honored and hugely excited to have been appointed as Chief Executive of the Rothschild Foundation," said Wright. "This is a significant time in the Foundation’s history as it furthers its mission to deliver positive change and meaningful impact for the benefit of future generations. I look forward to working with Dame Hannah, the Trustees, staff and volunteers to continue the Foundation’s remarkable philanthropic purpose."