The BBC have announced that the next Director of the BBC Proms will be David Pickard. Pickard, who is currently General Director at Glyndebourne will assume his role later this year and will report directly to Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3.

Pickard said: “I am honoured to be asked to take up the role of Director, BBC Proms, and to follow in the line of such distinguished predecessors. After 14 wonderful years at Glyndebourne, I count myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to lead another of this country’s most exciting arts organisations. Like so many people, my interest in classical music was inspired by visits to the Proms as a teenager and it has been my privilege to play a role as a contributor for the past 20 years, firstly with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and more recently with the annual Glyndebourne Prom. I look forward now to building on the founding principles of the Proms – to bring world-class classical music to the widest possible audience.”

Davey welcomed Pickard and paid tribute to Edward Blakeman, who is overseeing this year's Proms: “David comes from a background of musical excellence and exploration, and will bring a whole host of fresh ideas to help us ensure the greatest classical music festival in the world continues to provide the place for people to discover and rediscover the best classical music. His achievements at Glyndebourne have included the discovery of exciting new artistic talent and the establishment of a range of new initiatives to bring opera to wider audiences through Glyndebourne’s touring, education and digital activities. I would like to thank Edward Blakeman for his work bringing us this year’s season – one of huge musical depth which is proving to be a hit with audiences. He has done a superb job and deserves his place in the spotlight as the season takes us on the fascinating twists and turns we expect from a fantastic Proms season.”

Pickard became Glyndebourne's General Director in 2001, previous positions include Chief Executive of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (1993-2001) and Managing Director of Kent Opera.