Visiting Professor of Music

John Willan qualified as a chartered accountant but, following a music degree from Edinburgh University and post graduate study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he joined EMI as a classical record producer working with most of the top names in the world.

He thereafter became the fourth managing director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and during his tenure, the orchestra was appointed the first sole resident of the Royal Festival Hall in London. He then moved to the BBC to build a music business for its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, and since 2000 served as Chairman and Finance Director of Hazard Chase, the Cambridge based management agency. For the past seven years he has been Chairman of the International Artist Managers' Association, the only worldwide association of classical music managements, representing the members both here and abroad, officiating at IAMA events and dealing with government over issues affecting the sector.

He is a governor of the Royal Academy of Music in London and chair of its audit committee. He also chairs the Two Moors Festival and is a tutor for BPP, the UK's leading provider of professional qualifications and development.

He will have an important role in helping LAIBS focus its scholarship and research agenda.