Sir Roger was previously Chief Executive of Britten Pears Arts (“BPA”), a music, visual arts and heritage charity based in Suffolk, from 2014 until he stepped down in July 2024. During his ten years at BPA Sir Roger oversaw significant transformation of the organisation w ith the acquisition of the Snape Maltings site and the development of its creative campus, and the merging with Britten Pears Foundation to create Britten Pears Arts. His steering of the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic was critically acclaimed and for which he received a special award from the Association of British Orchestras.

Prior to his role at BPA, Sir Roger was an award-winning Controller of BBC Radio 3 between 1998 and 2014, and Director of BBC Proms between 2007 and 2014. He is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most experienced cultural leaders.

The Rothschild Foundation was established in 2010 as a charity supporting arts, heritage, the environment and social welfare by awarding grants, fostering dialogue and debate, and through its support of Waddesdon Manor. The Foundation represents the consolidation of three previous Rothschild charitable trusts and is chaired by Dame Hannah Rothschild DBE.

Dame Hannah Rothschild, Chair of the Rothschild Foundation, commented: “Sir Roger brings immense gravitas, inspiration and experience to 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 realise the organisation’s ambitious new targets and projects.”

Sir Roger Wright, incoming Chief Executive of the Rothschild Foundation, added: “I am honoured and hugely excited to have been appointed as Chief Executive of the Rothschild Foundation. 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.”