Statement from Colette Bowe, ABRSM chairman

ABRSM announced today the resignation of its Chief Executive, Guy Perricone, who has been with ABRSM since 2009. Under his leadership ABRSM has increased its turnover from £36.5m to £43.6m and candidate numbers from 645,768 to 665,310. Colette Bowe, Chairman of the Governing Body, said: "The Governing Body is immensely grateful to Guy for all that he has achieved with ABRSM during his leadership and wishes him very well for the future." Leslie East, Executive Director; Syllabus and Publishing and Publishing Director of ABRSM (Publishing) Limited has been appointed as Chief Executive to continue Guy’s work and prepare the organisation for its next phase of development. Sue Cambridge continues in her present role as Executive Director for Finance and Administration. Lincoln Abbotts steps up to a newly-created post, Director of Strategic Development, with immediate effect.

Leslie East was formerly Director of Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (1976–87) and Publishing Director of Novello and Co. (1987–98). He joined ABRSM in 1998 and has during his various roles at the organisation played a growing role in the strategic development of ABRSM. Sue Cambridge is a chartered accountant and has extensive experience in senior management roles in both the commercial and public sectors. Her previous roles include Finance Director of the Tate and Financial Controller, BBC News. She joined ABRSM in 2011 as Executive Director; Finance and Administration. Lincoln Abbotts has wide-ranging experience in music, education, broadcasting and access to the arts. His previous roles include a senior management role at the BBC (2003–8) devising, commissioning and delivering innovative programmes for the BBC Proms and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. From 2008–12 he was Chief Executive of Music for Youth. He joined ABRSM in 2012 as Teaching and Learning Development Director.