Youth Music appoints Adam Joolia as new CEO
The charity has named long-serving AudioActive chief Adam Joolia as its new Chief Executive Officer, with Joolia set to take up the role in September.
Adam Joolia joins Youth Music from Brighton-based organisation AudioActive, where he has served as chief executive for nearly 20 years. Youth Music said he will lead the organisation as it develops a new five-year strategy focused on income generation, youth voice, equitable grant-making and partnerships across government, philanthropy, the music industries and grassroots communities.
During his time at AudioActive, Joolia oversaw the charity’s growth from a single-post community project into a £1.3 million Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation employing around 50 staff. Youth Music said he also led a period of major expansion from 2020, securing public investment, developing philanthropic partnerships and launching new initiatives.
Adam Joolia said, 'I’m honoured to be joining Youth Music and leading the organisation into its next chapter. At a time when young people and the wider sector are facing deep structural challenges, I bring a clear understanding of those pressures and first-hand experience of how transformative the right support can be.
‘But I also believe this is a moment of real possibility, a chance to build on Youth Music’s extraordinary legacy, to back the talent, ambition and creativity of young people, and to help shape a future in which more individuals, organisations and communities can thrive through music. Because when we invest in young people’s potential, we do more than change individual lives; we strengthen our culture, our communities and our collective future.’
Youth Music Co-Chairs Charlotte Edgeworth and Isaac Borquaye said, ‘We are thrilled to welcome Adam as Youth Music’s new Chief Executive. His track record of bold, inclusive and strategic leadership – combined with deep experience across music and youth sectors – makes him the ideal person to guide Youth Music’s next phase of growth and impact. ‘Adam brings a genuine belief in the power of young people’s creativity to change lives. And we know that he will take great care of the fantastic culture we have grown at Youth Music, and inspire our fantastic staff team.’
During his leadership of AudioActive, the charity supported the development of artists including Rizzle Kicks, Celeste, SpectraSoul, Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn. In 2024, Joolia received a National Lottery Gamechanger award.