Surrey Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew McCall as the new independent chair of Surrey Music Hub.

Surrey Music Hub, led by Surrey Arts, Surrey County Council is a network of music organisations and schools working together to bring more musical opportunities to more young people in Surrey, both in schools and in the wider community.

Head of Surrey Arts, Sarah Lee said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Music Hub board.  Andrew will take over from Charlotte Miller, who has brought her strong skills and experience of working in the health and music sectors to her three years as the hub chair.  We thank her for all that she has done for the hub, supporting music education in Surrey.  We look forward to working with Andrew to further develop the hub and enable more young people to benefit from high quality music education across Surrey.”

Andrew brings extensive board experience. He is a senior leader and advisor with a career spanning the non-profit and corporate sectors. After public affairs roles with UK and international non-government organisations focused on the rehabilitation of offenders, he moved to head Government Relations at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in 2002. He went on to senior leadership roles at JLR and Ford, serving on the Board of Ford of Europe as Vice President with responsibility for Government and Community Relations across Europe during a period of disruption in the automotive industry. He now acts as a consultant and advisor, including supporting the Royal Astronomical Society’s advocacy on light pollution and space sustainability. Alongside his professional career, Andrew has a long-standing commitment to music education, having benefitted from a local authority music service while growing up in east London, and playing trombone in a range of ensembles including the Redbridge Youth Orchestra.

Andrew says: “I am delighted to be appointed as independent chair of Surrey Music Hub. Music education played a vital role in my own development, and I have seen first hand the difference that access to high quality musical opportunities can make to young people’s lives. I am looking forward to working with Surrey Arts, fellow board members and partners across the county to build on the hub’s strong foundations and to ensure that even more children and young people can experience the joy and benefits of making music.”

Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said: “We are very pleased to welcome Andrew McCall as Independent Chair of Surrey Music Hub. His breadth of leadership experience and long-standing commitment to music education will be a real asset to the Hub.

“This appointment strengthens our collective ambition to ensure that all children and young people in Surrey can access high-quality arts and cultural opportunities. Through strong partnership working and effective governance, Surrey Music Hub continues to play a vital role in enriching lives, supporting wellbeing and nurturing creativity across the county.”