It's time for part two of our 'Intern to CEO' series, in which successful heads of organisations tell us about their journey through the arts (or sometimes through completely different fields). Last year we interviewed the CEOs of the Royal Opera House and V&A Museum, but for 2016 we've asked someone who has a good overview across all arts sectors: Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England.

Darren Henley has been Chief Executive of Arts Council England since April 2015. He previously spent twenty-five years working in radio, leading Classic FM for fifteen years, first as Managing Editor and then as Managing Director. He was appointed an OBE in 2013 for services to music. Darren has chaired or sat on a range of government advisory boards in the area of cultural education. His two independent government reviews into music education (2011) and cultural education (2012) resulted in the creation of England’s first National Plan for Music Education, new networks of Music Education Hubs and Heritage Schools, the Museums and Schools programme, the BFI Film Academy and the National Youth Dance Company. He is the author or co-author of twenty-nine books, including The Virtuous Circle: Why Creativity and Cultural Education Count. It argues that an excellent cultural education is the right of everyone, bringing personal, social and commercial advantages that can only benefit the lives of all individuals in our society. Darren studied politics at the University of Hull.

Darren will be interviewed by music journalist Harry White, followed by a Q&A with the audience. The event will be followed by networking drinks at the Century Club's bar.