Simon Webb has been the BBC’s Head of Orchestras and Choirs, based at MediaCityUK in Salford, since 2023. Previously he was Director of the BBC Philharmonic 2014-2022 and Director of Orchestral Management at the CBSO 2008-2014.
He started his career as a cellist with orchestras in Portugal, Hong Kong and Ireland. Simon was a member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra from 1996 to 2005 and Chair of the LPO’s board 2000-2005. His first role in management was at Sheffield’s Music in the Round as Administrative Director where he was involved in setting up Ensemble 360.
Simon studied theology at Selwyn College Cambridge then the cello at the Royal Academy of Music, was a fellow on the Clore Cultural Leadership programme 2007-8 and has a Masters degree in Strategic Leadership with Cranfield University. Simon is married with three children, two of whom have spent time studying at the RNCM. He lives in Sheffield where he still occasionally plays the cello and conducts choirs and orchestras at his local church.