Three BBC staff appointed as Radio Academy trustees

Three BBC staff members – Dixi Stewart, Grace Hopper and Philippa Ayott – have been picked to join the Radio Academy board following a vote by the charity’s members.

Dixi is Editorial Lead for BBC Radio and Music, Grace is a Radio 1 producer and Philippa is Daytime Editor at Radio 2.

A fourth new Trustee has been co-opted onto the board at the same time – Nick Pitts, Content Director of Bauer’s Jazz FM, joins as part of his role as Creative Director of the Radio Festival.

Each trustee will serve a term of up to three years – they have overall legal responsibility for The Radio Academy and the board is responsible for overseeing the direction of the Academy, its programmes and how its money is spent.

Sean Childerley, Managing Director of The Radio Academy said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new trustees, who provide depth and balance to an already diverse and highly experienced board. The Radio Academy is very fortunate to be able to draw upon such a wealth of talent, covering all sectors and areas of radio and audio, with the new appointments complementing the knowledge and skills currently on the board.

“On behalf of the Academy, I would also like to thank Jonty Usborne, Camilla Byk and Matt Payton, who have stepped down as Trustees, for all their hard work and commitment over the past three years. I am very much looking forward to working with my new board to deliver a fantastic programme of events and activities for 2019.”

Dixi Stewart, Editorial Lead at BBC Radio and Music said: “If you love radio you’ve got to love The Radio Academy; it’s the bulwark protecting our industry and promoting the brightest talent within it. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be elected as a trustee and I’m excited to be working with The Radio Academy to rally and focus the passions of all parts of the audio sector.”

Grace Hopper, BBC Radio 1 producer and a former Radio Academy 30 Under 30 member, said: “As a young female producer, I hope to bring a fresh perspective to The Radio Academy board. Every day I strive to create outstanding radio in a very crowded industry, and I will bring my desire for achievement to this new role with The Radio Academy.”

Philippa Ayott, Daytime Editor, BBC Radio 2, said: “I am delighted to become a trustee at The Radio Academy. With over 20 years experience, I am passionate about broadcasting in all versions of audio and I’m looking forward to bringing that passion and experience to the Academy board, working with Sean, the team and my fellow trustees.”