Simon Wallis, the director of the Hepworth Wakefield, has been appointed as the new secretary and chief executive of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, replacing Axel Rüger who left to lead the Frick Collection in New York. Wallis, who led the Hepworth Wakefield since 2008 and oversaw its opening in 2011, steps into the role at a time when the RA is undergoing significant cost-cutting measures, including a 15% workforce reduction through redundancies and unfilled vacancies.
This appointment matters because Wallis takes the helm of one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious artist-led institutions during a period of financial strain, with the RA cutting around 60 roles to sustain its future. His track record at the Hepworth Wakefield—which won Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2017 and exceeded visitor targets—suggests he brings experience in building community engagement and navigating institutional challenges, making his leadership critical for the RA's stability and strategic direction.