Alex Beard, CBE

Alex Beard CBE has been Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House since 2013. During his tenure ROH has undertaken a major transformation of its public facilities including the creation of a new world class theatre for chamber opera and ballet, extended its digital presence and reach through national learning programmes and live cinema relays, and strengthened its reputation as one of the world's leading lyric theatre organisations.

Alex is also Chairman of High House Production Park Ltd, an international centre of excellence for the industry located at Thurrock in the Thames Gateway.

Alex was educated at Manchester Grammar School, Westminster School and King's College London. After a year at KPMG he joined the Arts Council in 1986. In 1994 he was appointed Director of Finance and Administration of Tate, then Director of Business in 1999 and Deputy Director in 2002. During Alex’s time with Tate he worked closely with Sir Nicholas Serota in the creation of Tate Modern, an extensive programme of capital development across the four Tate Galleries in London, Liverpool and St Ives, while also leading the business operations of the organisation.

At the end of 2012 Alex was appointed a CBE for his services to the arts, and was made a Fellow of Kings College London in 2016. He is a keen cyclist, cricketer and cook.