Lord Tony Hall of Birkenhead CBE was appointed Chair of the CBSO Board in November 2023. One of the UK's most respected cultural leaders, he brings extensive experience from across the arts, media and public service, having served as Director-General of the BBC (2013–2020), Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House (2001–2013), and Managing Director of BBC News and Current Affairs.

Born in Birkenhead and educated in Birmingham before reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Keble College, Oxford, Tony has maintained strong links with the West Midlands throughout his career. He has consistently championed excellence in the arts while promoting wider access to culture, education and public engagement.

During his leadership of the Royal Opera House, Tony oversaw a period of significant artistic and organisational growth, broadening access to opera and ballet across the UK. As Director-General of the BBC, he led the organisation through a period of major technological and structural change, reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading public service broadcasters.

Alongside his executive career, Tony has held numerous public and charitable appointments. He is a Crossbench Member of the House of Lords and has served on its Communications and Digital Committee. His leadership roles have included positions with the National Gallery, the Woodland Trust and the Natural History Museum.

Tony was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2006 New Year Honours for services to opera and ballet. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to ensuring that arts organisations are innovative, financially resilient and accessible to all.

As Chair of the CBSO, Tony is helping to guide the Orchestra through an exciting new chapter under the artistic leadership of Kazuki Yamada and the executive leadership of Emma Stenning. A passionate advocate for music education and community engagement, he has praised the Orchestra's work across Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond, including its pioneering partnership with the Shireland CBSO Academy, the first state school in the UK established in partnership with a professional orchestra.

Tony brings strategic leadership, national influence and a deep belief in the power of music to enrich lives, strengthen communities and inspire future generations.