James McKnight Appointed as CEO of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group

James McKnight is the ex-Harry Potter Chief Creative Officer

By: Sep. 22, 2023
James McKnight Appointed as CEO of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group has announced the upcoming appointment of ex-Harry Potter Chief Creative Officer, James McKnight, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

McKnight will be joining the Really Useful Group in December after two successful years with Björn Ulvaeus’ company Pophouse Entertainment where he has led global brand strategy and entertainment R&D as Executive Creative Director. James will continue his relationship with Pophouse Entertainment as part of its Investment Advisory Committee.

Prior to that, McKnight spent seven years as Chief Creative Officer for the Harry Potter franchise at The Blair Partnership. In this role he was responsible for the global strategy and development of the franchise on behalf of J.K Rowling, and oversaw a multitude of strategic partnerships including the highly acclaimed collaborations with the teams at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Warner Bros. Discovery.

James McKnight said, “Andrew Lloyd Webber has always been synonymous with breaking new ground and driving change and innovation in live theatre, music and the wider entertainment world with his incredible compositions and ground-breaking produc ons. 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.”

Speaking on James’ appointment, Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “James brings with him excep onal experience taking some of the world’s biggest entertainment tles and exploring them in new and interes ng ways for diverse audiences. His experience matches our ambi on to con nue to break ground across different entertainment areas, while maintaining a strong focus on growing our live theatre business. We’re all delighted he will be joining us later in the year.” 



RELATED STORIES

1
Barnes and Noble To Welcome Barbra Streisand for Digital Event In Support of Her Memoir, M Photo
Barnes and Noble To Welcome Barbra Streisand for Digital Event In Support of Her Memoir, 'My Name Is Barbra'

Barnes & Noble will welcome New York Times bestselling author and living legend, Barbra Streisand, for a live, virtual discussion of MY NAME IS BARBRA, the long-awaited memoir by the superstar of stage, screen, recordings, and television.

2
Photos: SHUCKED Hits The Recording Studio for Carols For A Cure Photo
Photos: SHUCKED Hits The Recording Studio for Carols For A Cure

The holiday season is not complete without the perfect music to accompany it. Cast members from Shucked came in to record a new arrangement by Rickard Rockage of O’ Little Town of Bethlehem. See photos from inside their session!

3
Photos: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Sings Carols For A Cure Photo
Photos: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Sings Carols For A Cure

The holiday season is not complete without the perfect music to accompany it. Cast members from A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical came to record the classis Holly Holy written by Neil Diamond.  Sonny Paladino was the Musical Director of this recording. See photos from inside the studio!

4
Cooper, Feldman, Rapp & More Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 2024 Photo
Cooper, Feldman, Rapp & More Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 2024

Discover the talented individuals recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 2024 list, including Jordan E. Cooper, Andrew Barth Feldman, Reneé Rapp, and many more. This article celebrates the achievements of these rising stars in the entertainment industry, highlighting their impact and contributions.

From This Author - Aliya Al-Hassan

Aliya Al-Hassan is UK Managing Editor of BroadwayWorld. A London-based theatre critic and journalist, she has a life-long passion for the arts, with a focus on theatre. She is always keen to... Aliya Al-Hassan">(read more about this author)

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You