Davey to step down from BBC Radio 3

ALAN DAVEY will step down as Controller of Radio 3, BBC Proms and BBC Orchestras and Choirs in March 2023, a role he assumed in 2015. 

The BBC will begin the search for Davey’s successor in due course.  

Following eight years in post, he leaves to focus on work supporting arts and music organisations and to pursue academic interests.

Davey has championed diversity at the BBC and ensured Radio 3’s visibility across BBC Sounds. He also commissioned playlists for younger listeners such as Classical Focus and Mindful Mix and nurtured young talent through the New Generation Artists Scheme. 

Previously, Davey was Chief Executive Officer of Arts Council England and Director of Arts and Culture at DCMS. 

Davey is Chair of Governors at Trinity Laban, Vice Chair of English Folk Dance and Song Society and a board member for Hall for Cornwall. He is also a member of the European Broadcasting Union Classical Music Committee.

Alan Davey said: “There is nothing like the combination of Radio 3, the Proms and the BBC Orchestras and Choirs anywhere else. Choosing when to move on is always tricky, but now is the time for me to hand over the role to someone else. They will inherit, to borrow a phrase, on a bad day the best job in Britain, and on a good day the best job in the world.” 

CHARLOTTE MOORE, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said Davey brought extraordinary vision of Radio 3:

“Under his watch over the past eight years, Radio 3’s editorial ambition has flourished and Alan has skillfully, and with passion, led our classical activities in an ever-changing world – constantly exploring new opportunities to reach the widest possible audience for our classical music output. It’s been such a pleasure to work with Alan and I wish him all the best in his roles going forward and his continuing academic work.”