Composer and producer Andrew Lloyd Webber and his production and musical rights business the Really Useful Group are getting a new CEO, with James McKnight taking the reigns in December 2023, based in London.
McKnight succeeds Charles Farmer, who was appointed to the newly created CEO position with much fanfare in 2022, but resigned in early 2023 to pursue new opportunities. Farmer was a former Executive Vice President of MGM International Television Productions.
The Really Useful Group develops, licenses and manages the global brand strategy for Lloyd Webber’s shows and music.
McKnight’s recent roles include two years as executive creative director of ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus’ company, Pophouse Entertainment, working on shows including ABBA Voyage at ABBA Arena in London. McKnight will continue to sit on the Pophouse investment advisory committee.
His other roles include 7 years as Chief Creative Officer for the Harry Potter franchise at the Blair Partnership, overseeing global strategy, development and partnerships of the Harry Potter franchise, including collaborations between the teams at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Warner Brothers Discovery.
James McKnight said in a statement: “Andrew Lloyd Webber has always been synonymous with breaking new ground and driving change and innovation in live theater, music and the wider entertainment world with his incredible compositions and groundbreaking productions. I’ve built my career around strategically and meaningfully taking entertainment brands into new spaces and introducing them to new audiences, and I’m thrilled I’ll soon get the opportunity to continue that journey with Andrew, the Really Useful Group team and their exceptional partners worldwide.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “James brings with him exceptional experience taking some of the world’s biggest entertainment titles and exploring them in new and interesting ways for diverse audiences. His experience matches our ambition to continue to break ground across different entertainment areas while maintaining a strong focus on growing our live theater business. We’re all delighted he will be joining us later in the year.”
Musicals managed by The Really Useful Group include The Phantom of the Opera, which is currently playing at His Majesty’s Theatre in the West End; Cats; Jesus Christ Superstar, currently touring the UK; Evita; Sunset Boulevard – coming to the Savoy Theatre in London; Starlight Express; and School of Rock–The Musical. The company operates across theatre, film, and television, working with key partners and developing new projects worldwide.
Related News
Cats Reviews: Drew McOnie’s Regent’s Park revival casts a magical spell
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS brings the Jellicle Ball to Regent’s Park: see the brand-new production images now
Full casting announced for upcoming CATS UK tour, following Regent’s Park Open Air run
Jesus Christ Superstar reviews: spectacular staging and sound, but critics mixed on whether Sam Ryder delivers dramatically
Latest News
Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the London Coliseum for Valentine’s Day 2027
Helen of Troy never got to tell her side. Watch the trailer for the play that does
After a sell-out world tour, The Choir of Man returns to the West End this Christmas
