Award-winning youth charity Lewisham Music is delighted to announce the appointment of Keith Sykes as its new Chief Executive.
Keith takes up the post from Monday 3 February 2025 and will replace Charly Richardson, who has led the charity to achieve so much over the past five years and is now moving on to become Chief Executive of South East London homelessness charity, 999 Club.
Keith steps into the role following five successful years as Lewisham Music’s Director of Community Programmes, where his work has been instrumental in developing the charity’s nationally recognised community and social-impact programmes, reaching new audiences, building new partnerships and securing significant financial support.
Before joining Lewisham Music, Keith led ArtsTrain, an Arts Council England NPO, and has been an advisor to national charities like Youth Music and BBC Children In Need. With two decades of experience in the voluntary sector and a proven track record of leading award-winning youth and community development programmes, Keith is ready to get to work sharing his passion and expertise.
“I am thrilled to be taking on the role as Chief Executive and I am delighted to continue working with our wonderful team here at Lewisham Music.
I believe we have an important role to play in ensuring all children have access to the benefits of music, to build creative communities, and to create safe spaces that allow children and young people to be the best version of themselves.”
Keith Sykes
“Lewisham Music’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Sykes as our new CEO, following an exceptional response to our recruitment process.
Keith brings a wealth of experience and vision to this role, and we look forward to working together to shape the future of Lewisham Music and its impact on our community.”
Lewisham Music Chair of Trustees, Dame Joan Ruddock
Keith takes over at an exciting time for the charity as we work to expand our impact and reach in schools and communities throughout Lewisham and beyond as a Principal Partner of the newly formed South East London Music Hub.
Good luck Keith!
Notes to Editors
Want to know more
For enquiries about Lewisham Music please contact…
Robbie Hurst
Marketing and Communications Manager
Email: robbie.hurst@lewishammusic.org
About Lewisham Music
Lewisham Music is an award-winning youth charity and a Principal Partner in South East London Music Hub. Working alongside local and national partners, we deliver and support a diverse range of musical opportunities in schools and communities across Lewisham.
Lewisham Music’s vision and mission is for every child and young person in Lewisham to experience the power of music through accessible, inclusive programmes that inspire creativity and confidence. We believe music can unlock potential and build happier, healthier communities.
Last year we delivered a diverse range of musical activity to over 6700 children and young people across 76 Lewisham schools, community settings and from The Fellowship, our state-of-the-art community music venue situated in the heart of the Bellingham Estate, SE6.
Young people’s voices are at the heart of our work and driving our actions.
