Royal Liverpool Philharmonic CEO, Michael Eakin, Retires

Eakin, who expanded the orchestra's reach and oversaw the construction of a new hall, stands down after 16 years

Following a 16-year tenure, Michael Eakin OBE has announced his retirement from his position as CEO of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society.

During his time at the helm, Eakin has contributed a great deal to the life of the orchestra. He oversaw the £14m refurbishment of its Hall, including the creation of a new second performance space, The Music Room. In addition, Eakin has presided over the expansion of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir.

During the pandemic, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic became one of the first ensembles in the world to present a series of live orchestral concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Eakin has had a varied career across the arts sector. He is a former Chair of the Association of British Orchestras and a former Vice President of the Theatrical Management Association (now UK Theatre). As Director of Arts and Leisure for Reading Borough Council, he oversaw policy relating to the arts and theater, libraries, museums and archives, sport and leisure, and tourism.

He was also previously Executive Director North West for Arts Council England.

"On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Philharmonic — our talented musicians, loyal audiences, dedicated stakeholders, generous donors, and the countless children and young people who are part of the Liverpool Philharmonic family — I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Michael for his exceptional leadership over the past 16 years," said Louise Shepherd, the Chair of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Board.

"Michael's tenure has been nothing short of transformative. His visionary approach has not only strengthened our financial foundation but has also significantly expanded our reach and impact within the community. Under his guidance, Liverpool Philharmonic has flourished, becoming a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural innovation."

"Throughout my career, working in the arts has been a profound joy, with my time at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic standing out as particularly rewarding," Eakin said. "This institution is not just a cornerstone of Liverpool's cultural identity, but a significant contributor to the UK's artistic landscape. Our reach extends across the community, touching the lives of hundreds of thousands through our concerts and educational initiatives."

"The unwavering support from Liverpool's residents and our partners has been extraordinary — I can't imagine a more inspiring city in which to lead a musical organization. I've had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional team, and any accolades I've received are a testament to their dedication and hard work as much as my own contributions. As I step down, I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable journey."