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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, which produces, licenses and monetises his shows worldwide, has brought in a host of new people.

Lloyd Webber’s production and rights arm is looking to extend its reach as a global innovator in musical theatre, and diversify in various areas including TV and film, spearheaded by its new CEO James McKnight, who joined late last year.

The most high-profile hire is the appointment of Libby Grant as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

Grant takes on the role having worked with the business as a consultant for the last 12 months, and will lead commercial and partner strategy globally across theatrical, live, immersive and themed entertainment, consumer products and merchandise parts of the business.

Grant’s most recent jobs include working for Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) on the launch of Cabaret in London, and brokering a global partnership deal with Meta for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, to create themed experiences on the social platform.

Grant’s other experience includes working for studios Disney, NBCU, Paramount and MGM across their licensing. She also co-founded an award-winning brand licensing agency building Hello Kitty into the biggest girls’ brand in the UK.

Other new appointments at Really Useful announced today include:

  • Naomi Symeou joining as Head of Theatrical Production, having spent ten years at Selladoor Worldwide as Producer and, latterly, as Co-Managing Director.
  • Anna Peachey joins as Head of Marketing from West End marketing agency Dewynters.
  • Alex Parker joins as Musical Director, with a track-record directing and producing musical theatre across the UK and internationally, including a number of high-profile concerts in London, including Sondheim on Sondheim in Concert coming to Alexandra Palace Theatre in October.
  • Jon Lee joins as Senior Licensing and Production Manager (Theatrical and Themed Entertainment) with experience managing large-scale projects for West End theatre producers.

Also two execs have been promoted, with Sophie Francesca becoming Senior Entertainment Research and Development Manager, with 12 years’ experience in film and television development, production, creative strategy and direction; and James Sherwood takes on the newly created role of Head of Immersive and Themed Entertainment, having led on new ventures for the business over the last year after arriving from Disney Theatrical Group.

The appointments have been made by Really Useful Group CEO James McKnight, who joined the business in December 2023 replacing Charles Farmer. McKnight’s past roles have included executive creative director of ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus’ company, Pophouse Entertainment, working on shows including ABBA Voyage; and Chief Creative Officer for the Harry Potter franchise at the Blair Partnership including collaborations between the teams at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Warner Brothers Discovery.

Alongside Really Useful Group, Andrew Lloyd Webber also owns West End theatre chain LW Theatres, which owns the London Palladium, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Cambridge, His Majesty’s, Gillian Lynne and Adelphi Theatres.

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, which is getting a new Off-Broadway reboot this month; Jesus Christ Superstar, currently touring the UK; Evita; Sunset Boulevard, which will transfer from London to Broadway this year in Jamie Lloyd’s new production; a huge new reimagining of Starlight Express, which is now playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre; and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which is back out on a big UK & Ireland tour next year. The company operates across theatre, film, and television, working with key partners and developing new projects worldwide.

Libby Grant said in a statement: “I’ve been fortunate to spend my career taking world-class entertainment brands and IP into new spaces and working with incredible partners to create best-in-class and unique experiences for audiences and fans. It’s a great privilege to now be given the opportunity to do this with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic IP alongside the fantastic team at The Really Useful Group. The work has already started and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Really Useful Group CEO, James McKnight said: “This is a brilliant appointment for the business as we continue on our mission to extend our reputation as a global innovator in musical theatre and re-focus as an experience-led entertainment company. Libby has an exceptional track record building global franchises and strategically taking entertainment brands into new creative territories. She will play an integral role in this exciting new chapter for our business.”

McKnight also said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Naomi, Anna, Alex and Jon to the business, and see James and Sophie take on these exciting new roles. Their diverse experience speaks for itself and it’s fantastic to add yet more exceptional talent to our team as we continue to build and work together to deliver on our ambitious strategy.”

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Main photo: Really Useful Group - Libby Grant

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