Sound Roots welcomes David Agnew as new Chief Executive

The Sound Roots team at WOMEX 2024. From Left to Right: David Weir, Adee Lifshitz, David Agnew, Terry O’Brien, Kate Kyle & Tom Besford.

Sound Roots is delighted to announce the appointment of David Agnew as its new Chief Executive, following an extensive national recruitment process. David will assume the role immediately, succeeding Tom Besford.

David Agnew has been with the organisation since its inception, founding the Homegrown festival in Bury, followed by the Manchester Folk Festival in 2018 to run parallel with the English Folk Expo.

David has also worked with The Met in Bury, initially as Director and later as Artistic Director, while establishing an independent production company, So It Is, with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. In addition to touring and outdoor commissions, So It Is collaborated with venues, festivals and artists to develop markets for new work. In 2020, David joined Sound Roots as Artistic Director, a role he will continue, alongside his new appointment.

“Having worked with David Agnew since the early days of Sound Roots, we are delighted to welcome him as our new Chief Executive. His dedication and curatorial vision have been instrumental to the organisation’s growth and success over the years. We have every confidence that, as Chief Executive, David will continue to drive Sound Roots forward, building on the incredible work of his predecessor, Tom Besford, and further expanding our impact.”

— Kellie While, Sound Roots Chair and Trustee

“I’m absolutely thrilled to lead Sound Roots into its next stage. The environment for artists has never been tougher and Sound Roots is perfectly positioned to help. Under Tom’s leadership, we’ve built a brilliant programme with significant impact for artists, and I’m excited to see that continue.”

— David Agnew, Sound Roots CEO and Artistic Director

Please join us in welcoming David as our new Chief Executive!