Dr Darren Henley CBE is Chief Executive of Arts Council England. His boardroom experience spans arts, media, education, charity and government. Previous roles include managing director of Classic FM and author of two independent government reviews into music education and cultural education. Darren has long been an advocate for the positive impact of public investment in artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries on helping to create happier lives in villages, towns and cities across England. A certified coach, he holds a doctorate exploring the role of the outsider as an agent for change, and degrees in politics, management, history of art, and applied positive psychology. He was appointed OBE in 2013 for services to music and CBE in 2022 for services to the arts.