Christopher Satterthwaite CBE appointed new chair of NYO

The National Youth Orchestra has named Christopher Satterthwaite CBE as its new chair of trustees.

He has held several board positions in the arts, including chair of the Roundhouse venue in Camden and trustee of the Dulwich Picture Gallery and The Watts Gallery.

Satterthwaite is currently and will continue as a trustee of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, which supports the training of talented and aspiring craftspeople.

In 2016, he received a CBE for services to the arts.

Satterthwaite has a background in advertising and marketing, serving as chief executive of Chime Communications from 2002 to 2017. He is currently non-executive chairman of two AIM-listed companies: Access Intelligence and Zinc media.

‘NYO is a wonderful organisation that champions music in developing the lives of young people individually and collectively,’ Satterthwaite said. ‘I look forward to helping it grow its extraordinary impact across the country in every way I can.’

Outgoing interim chair Donagh Collins, CEO of artist management companies Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to “hand the baton” over to Chris, as I am certain he will help the charity achieve great things, in a time when creative and collaborative opportunities for young people could not be more vital.’

Satterthwaite will help drive forward NYO’s mission to champion orchestral music as an agent for teenage development.

Sarah Alexander, CEO of NYO, said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Chris, following a careful decision process prioritising the future of young musicians at the heart of the organisation. We look forward to a new chapter under Chris’ leadership and we are confident that his expertise will be instrumental in driving the charity's mission forward.’

Satterthwaite’s appointment follows the recent additions of Nicola Brentnall, Vyla Rollins and Steve Sacks to NYO’s board of trustees.

Meet NYO team.