Susanna has extensive experience in the cultural sector working at a senior strategic leadership level for over two decades. Between 2012 and May 2023 she was Chief Executive of Sound and Music, the UK’s national organisation for new music, leading its transformation into the award-winning, highly regarded organisation it is today.
Prior to Sound and Music, Susanna was Director, Music at Arts Council England including overseeing music education and the development of the national network of music education hubs. Previous roles include Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (2000-2005). Her first senior role was in the commercial world of music publishing, working for Wise Music Ltd.
As a consultant, she has worked with clients including the National Gallery (on the development of a new Research Strategy); Help Musicians and Cheltenham Festivals. Susanna brings exceptional strategic and business planning skills coupled with sensitivity and an ability to support people and teams to work at their best. Her approach is informed by her work as an accredited executive coach, holding a Practitioner Diploma from the Academy of Executive Coaching.
In May 2019 she was elected Chair of Orchestras for All. Previous non-executive roles include membership of the Queen’s Medal for Music Committee.
In 2018 she was awarded an MBE for Services to Music. Other awards include the Leslie Boosey Award (2022); the Ivors Academy Gold Badge Award (2017); and an honorary Fellowship of Leeds Conservatoire (2012).