NYJO (National Youth Jazz Orchestra) is announcing today that Yvette Griffith OBE, Chief Executive and Executive Director of Jazz re:freshed is joining NYJO as its new CEO . Yvette received an OBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours for services to cultural philanthropy and to music, and replaces Susie York Skinner as CEO.
Full text of press release follows:
Renowned Leader in Jazz Community to Take Helm for a New Era of NYJO
London, UK – Wednesday 14th August 2024 – NYJO (The National Youth Jazz Orchestra), a charitable organisation dedicated to nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians, is delighted to announce the appointment of Yvette Griffith as its new Chief Executive Officer. Yvette, widely respected for her transformative work at Jazz re:freshed, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation in jazz to her new role at NYJO.
Yvette Griffith’s tenure at Jazz re:freshed has been marked by her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the jazz sector, and her leadership has significantly expanded the visibility of UK jazz on the global stage. At NYJO, Yvette will oversee all aspects of the organisation, from educational programmes and performance opportunities to partnerships and strategic development.
Susie York Skinner, outgoing CEO, commented “I could not be prouder to welcome Yvette to NYJO and wish her every success. I am delighted to have been able to provide the structure and space for our wonderful staff team to develop exciting, engaging activity that has changed the face of NYJO and attracted a new CEO of such high calibre to the organisation. I am sure that together they will deliver exciting new work for young people across the country.”
As Yvette steps into this pivotal role, NYJO looks forward to a new period of growth and empowerment. Yvette’s vision aligns perfectly with NYJO’s mission to enrich as many young lives with jazz, providing them with the skills, opportunities, and inspiration to thrive in the ever-evolving world of music.
Yvette Griffith commented “I am incredibly excited to join NYJO at this time of transformational change, building on the brilliant work Susie has accomplished during the past few years. Her guidance has positioned NYJO for continued success, and I’m honoured to carry that legacy forward with a fresh and innovative perspective. I look forward to leading NYJO into the future alongside a dedicated team. Together, we will embrace new opportunities and ensure NYJO does its part to inspire and nurture the next generation of jazz talent.”
Projjol Banerjea, interim Chair of NYJO remarked “For NYJO, this is both a culmination and an inauguration – the end of a transformative chapter spearheaded by Susie and the beginning of a bold new era with Yvette at the helm. We’re incredibly excited for the journey that lies ahead of us.”
Yvette Griffith’s appointment is a significant moment for NYJO and the wider jazz community. Under her leadership, NYJO is poised to continue its legacy of creating opportunities while exploring new avenues to inspire, educate, and engage with young musicians across the UK.
About Yvette Griffith: Yvette brings a wealth of experience from her role as Chief Executive and Executive Director of Jazz re:freshed, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation into a global promoter of UK jazz culture. With a strong background in arts management, Yvette has successfully led initiatives in business strategy, fundraising, change management and international project management. Her passion for fostering talent and advocating for underrepresented communities is evident through her work with Jazz re:freshed and Black Funding Network. Yvette’s commitment to music and cultural philanthropy has been recognised with an OBE in 2024. At NYJO, she aims to continue inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians and expanding NYJO’s impact both nationally and internationally. (Biography at Black Funding Network)
About NYJO: NYJO is an organisation dedicated to making jazz and creative music-making more accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences across the country. Throughout our activity, we seek to create a meeting ground between the established and the experimental – the past, present, and future – to build bespoke programmes which cater to lifelong and new jazz fans.
Upcoming NYJO Dates
Saturday 17th August 2024 – We Out Here Festival – NYJO & Cleveland Watkiss present Sun Ra Reimagined
Sunday 25th August 2024 – Summer Sounds Festival – Performances from Emerging Professionals (Olivia Cuttill, James Harms and Amelia Wilding) plus performances with the Steam Down Big Band and Yolanda Brown
Saturday 23rd November 2024 – EFG London Jazz Festival – NYJO & Cleveland Watkiss present Sun Ra Reimagined, Milton Court (Press release ends)
NYJO is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and its headquarters are at Woolwich Works London SE18
