A new interim CEO has been appointed at a charity after its founder died in a cycling accident in Brize Norton earlier this year.
Anna Williams arrives at Aesop (Arts Enterprise With a Social Purpose), which creates evidenced-based arts solutions, following the death of founder Tim Joss in a cycling accident in January.
The former Oxford University student was involved in numerous charity and organisation efforts and set up Aesop in 2014.
It is widely known for its 'Dance to Health' programme, an evidence-backed dance scheme designed to prevent falls among senior citizens.
Prior to taking charge of Aesop, Ms Williams spent 30 years at the Birmingham Royal Ballet, where she held multiple roles, including finance director, chief operating officer and interim chief executive.
She also has a range of non-executive experience, including tenures at The Young Vic, Theatre Development Trust and Bath Festivals, where Mr Joss was once a director for a decade.
Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, the chair of the board of trustees, said: "The past few months have been a challenging period for Aesop and our exemplar programme Dance to Health, with the sudden passing of our much-loved colleague and leader, Tim.
"We are incredibly grateful for the work and leadership of our staff and trustees, who have worked collaboratively during this time.
"We are now thrilled to welcome Anna, an exceptional candidate with a wealth of experience in the performing arts and charity sectors.
"We are confident that Anna’s proven track record in organisational resilience, financial management, and her commitment to artistic expression make her the ideal candidate to lead Aesop through the next phase.
"She will work closely with the trustees to develop and implement a strategic vision and plan that ensures the continued success of our vital work."
Ms Williams, who will start in her new role on May 7, said: "I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead Aesop as Interim CEO and to build on the vision and ambition of the charity's founder Tim Joss.
"Tim was a bold and committed social entrepreneur.
"I am also an ardent advocate for the benefits of arts-based activity for social good.
"Aesop is at the vanguard of building both an evidence base and a network of practitioners and providers to promote wider distribution of effective solutions such as the flagship ‘Dance to Health’ programme.
"In the coming weeks, I will begin to create an organisational and operational strategy which can build and support successful relationships and effective practice across arts, health and social care.
"I look forward to celebrating and amplifying Tim’s legacy by working alongside the skilled board and staff team.”
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