Geoff Parkin appointed CEO

Hastings International Piano is pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff Parkin as Chief Executive. Geoff joins the organisation after a decade at the Royal Over-Seas League, where he was responsible for programming and producing a prestigious series of concerts, exhibitions and talks, as well as its renowned Annual Music Competition for young musicians. He previously ran the chamber music programme at the Royal College of Music and has also worked for Young Classical Artists Trust, Royal Academy of Music and Royal Northern College of Music.  

Geoff will play a vital role in shaping HIP’s next phase of development, working closely with Artistic Director Vanessa Latarche and the trustees to provide strategic leadership that balances artistic ambition with financial resilience, and delivering the organisation’s artistic and outreach activities in conjunction with HIP’s small team of staff and volunteers.   

Sarah Kowitz, Chair of the Trustees of Hastings International Piano, said: “The trustees are delighted to welcome Geoff as our new Chief Executive. He brings a wealth of experience and energy to the role, and we are confident that he is the right person to lead the organisation into the next phase of its development, working alongside our Artistic Director Professor Vanessa Latarche who has achieved so much since her appointment in 2020.”

Geoff Parkin said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Hastings International Piano at such an exciting time, just after the completion of the hugely successful 18th Hastings International Piano Competition. Of course I’m aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but relish the opportunity to help guide the organisation as it goes from strength to strength, delivering an internationally well-regarded piano competition alongside a series of concerts and events as well as a programme of work that is rooted in the community of Hastings.”