RSL Awards Ltd, the leading global provider of contemporary music and arts vocational and graded music qualifications, today announced that Tim Bennett-Hart has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.
As Director of Academic, Bennett-Hart has successfully led the RSL Awards Academic department since May 2018, and is well placed to take up the reins as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Suzanne Harlow who has now left RSL, by mutual agreement, to pursue other interests.
During Harlow’s tenure, she led her team through the first phase of post-Covid recovery, delivering strong financial results. Her inclusive approach to empowering and fostering a strong culture of collaboration across the business and the wider education community has been instrumental in ensuring that RSL Awards is poised for further growth. Harlow will continue in her role as a non-executive director of the MIA, representing the interests of UK businesses within the Music Industry.
Prior to his role of CEO, Bennett-Hart has overseen the launch of new qualifications, brands, and technologies that ensure RSL Awards has remained at the forefront of innovation, and academic rigour that has allowed students to realise their full educational and career potential in the creative arts. He has a broad interest in the arts and education as a trustee for the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre, as well as governor at a local secondary school. Within his academic career Tim has held senior posts at the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, and the Academy of Contemporary Music. As musician and composer, Tim has released successful records in the UK and internationally, working extensively in both popular music and composition for TV and Media.
Many are familiar with Tim’s enthusiasm for ensuring positive value is delivered to the RSL Awards community, partners, stakeholders and he continues to be supported by a talented and committed team, each of whom play a role in the successful running of RSL Awards.
With significant consideration given to the expertise required to successfully guide RSL into its next phase of growth, Tim’s executive leadership appointment will build on the innovation that RSL Awards are renowned for, to create an experience for students that is positive, engaging, and relevant to their passion for creative arts.
RSL Awards Founder, Mr Norton York said, “Tim’s long history of leadership, coupled with his sound experience in the education sector makes him an ideal person for this role and I am confident that under Tim’s leadership, RSL Awards’ success and impact in achieving our mission and vision will continue to benefit all RSL stakeholders for years to come. We would like thank Suzanne Harlow for her leadership, commitment and the contribution she has made to RSL Awards during her tenure”.
RSL Awards CEO, Mr Tim Bennett-Hart said, “I feel very privileged to take on this role at such an exciting time. The needs of students, teachers, regulators, and other stakeholders are changing rapidly and I look forward to working with a great team and continuing to advance our innovation, building on our strong track record, delivering further growth and to guide the future of RSL Award. I would like to thank my predecessor, Suzanne Harlow for helping to create such a vibrant and interesting place to work.
To learn more about RSL Awards and our full product offering you can visit the company website at https://www.rslawards.com
