The Radio Academy — the United Kingdom’s radio and audio industry charity — has announced the appointment of Aradhna Tayal Leach as the new managing director with immediate effect. Leach replaces outgoing MD Sam Bailey, who will formally leave the post on 7 July to take up his new role at BFBS.
Leach will work closely with Chair of Trustees Helen Thomas, Deputy Chair Nick Pitts and the rest of the board to ensure that focal moments such as The ARIAS, The Radio Academy Festival, The Radio Academy Mentoring Programme, 30 Under 30 and other initiatives grow and continue to remain relevant in the ever-expanding audio sector.
Leach is no stranger to the Academy, having previously been a Trustee between 2018 and 2020. While a Trustee, she led the Academy’s diversity and inclusion approach and was instrumental in the industry-supporting Audio & Radio Emergency Fund during the Covid pandemic.
Having built her career as a strategic consultant in media, events and engagement, she brings extensive experience in the audio, film, TV, arts and technology sectors, with a passion for industry development to better reflect, represent and influence society.
Leach says, “I’m truly honored to lead The Radio Academy during the most exciting era for sound since radio transmission was first developed. Audio and storytelling have a unique power to impact society positively, and none of this is possible without the people – from the presenters to the technicians. My priority is to support and champion the brilliant people in our audio community, and I believe this starts with building partnerships. I stand for a fully representative and accessible industry that values different perspectives.”
Thomas says, “In a very competitive process, Aradhna blew us away with her passion and clearly articulated vision for the next stage of development at the Radio Academy. I look forward to working with her in this role.”