Sir Richard Mantle trained and worked as an HR professional before moving to the arts sector where he has enjoyed an extensive career in opera and music and is a prominent figure in the arts and creative industries with a strong track record of leadership and management. He held posts at English National Opera, Scottish Opera and most recently at Opera North. He served on the Board of the National Opera Studio for much of his career.



He is Chair of The Grange Festival and of In Place of War, a global charity that uses creativity in places of conflict as a tool for positive change. He is also a Trustee of Gabrieli, the period instrument orchestra which also offers ground breaking performance opportunities to young people through an ambitious education programme, Gabrieli Roar.


He was knighted in 2023 for his services to music and opera.