James Ainscough

James has been CEO at Help Musicians since 2018, leading the non-profit through the pandemic – they have so far provided £19.5m of financial hardship financial support to 20,000 musicians. Help Musicians was established 101 years ago. From health care (e.g. vocal, hearing, musculoskeletal and mental health) to career development funding and advice, the organisation offers a broad range of support to UK music creators in times of crisis and opportunity, empowering them to achieve their creative potential and sustain a career in music.

Before Help Musicians James was at the Royal Albert Hall, joining in 2008 as Finance Director and becoming Chief Operating Officer at the beginning of 2015, where he oversaw all venue operations at both a strategic and day-to-day level (including artistic, commercial, customer services, marketing, fundraising, facilities and business services).

Prior to that, his career in finance included roles auditing in the non-profit sector, at Warner Music UK and as European Finance Operations Director at an acquisitive business services company.

James has a degree in Economics from Cambridge University and is also a keen amateur musician.