Simon Wallis, director of the Hepworth Wakefield, has been appointed as the new secretary and chief executive of London’s Royal Academy of Arts (RA), starting in September. He replaces Axel Rüger, who left in October to lead the Frick Collection in New York. Wallis brings extensive experience from previous roles at Chisenhale Gallery, the ICA, Tate Liverpool, and Kettle’s Yard. His appointment comes as the RA undergoes restructuring, having cut 15% of its workforce in April to ensure future sustainability.
This leadership change matters because the RA is one of the world’s oldest artist-led institutions, and Wallis’s proven track record at the Hepworth Wakefield—where he oversaw a successful museum opening, rapid visitor growth, and a $35 million expansion of the art collection through philanthropy—positions him to guide the academy through a pivotal period of financial and organizational change. His vision for fostering creativity and reaching new audiences will be critical as the RA adapts for the 21st century.