Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE to chair the Royal College of Music Council
Wednesday 21 October 2026
The Royal College of Music (RCM) is delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE as the next Chair of Council, succeeding Lord Black in August 2027.
A distinguished lawyer, governance expert and passionate advocate for education, diversity and the arts, Margaret brings extensive leadership experience from across the public, charitable, higher education and commercial sectors. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Department for Education Board and is a member of the Oxford Street Development Corporation Board. Previously, she spent nine years as Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary at the John Lewis Partnership and was a partner at international law firm Dentons for two decades.
Margaret has held a range of prominent leadership positions, including Chair of Shakespeare's Globe (2018–2024), Chancellor of Coventry University (2017–2024) and Chair of ActionAid UK. She continues to support education, social mobility, entrepreneurship and the arts through numerous trustee, advisory and ambassadorial roles. Margaret's achievements have been recognised through numerous honours, including a CBE for services to charity and diversity. She is an Honorary Bencher of Gray's Inn, an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College, Oxford, and has been recognised in the Powerlist of influential Black Britons.
A lifelong music enthusiast, Margaret's passion for music began in childhood, when she learned the double bass and later when she took up the cello. She is an enthusiastic amateur singer and has also supported individual musicians and music charities across a wide range of musical genres.
Commenting on the appointment, James Williams, Director of the Royal College of Music, said: ‘The Royal College of Music is entering an exciting new chapter, and we are delighted to welcome Margaret Casely-Hayford as our next Chair of Council. Margaret brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to education, culture and social impact. Her distinguished career spans the worlds of business, public service, higher education and the arts, giving her a breadth of experience that is rare and invaluable.
Just as importantly, Margaret shares our belief in the transformative power of music and music education. Her passion for nurturing talent, widening access and championing excellence aligns closely with the values and ambitions of the Royal College of Music. We look forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in music education, training the next generation of musicians and enriching lives through music around the world.
On behalf of the entire Royal College of Music, I also extend my deepest gratitude to our outgoing Chair, Lord Black, for his exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to the College over a decade.’
Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford, said: ‘The Royal College of Music plays a uniquely important role in shaping the future of musical performance, creativity and cultural leadership. At a time when the arts have never been more important in bringing people together and enriching society, I am delighted to be joining the College as Chair of Council.
The Royal College of Music’s extraordinary students, staff and alumni demonstrate every day how music can inspire, challenge and connect people across borders and generations. I look forward to supporting the College as it continues to expand its global influence, champion artistic excellence and open doors for talented young musicians from all backgrounds.’
Main image credit: Dan Kennedy
