Christopher Barron joined Birmingham Royal Ballet as Chief Executive in September 2005.

This followed five years as Chief Executive of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, based in Glasgow, during which time he managed significant change at both companies including the successful appointment of a new artistic director and the development of a new home at Glasgow's Tramway for Scottish Ballet, and a major restructuring of Scottish Opera, leading to a secure financial future for the company.

From 1995 - 2000 Christopher spent six years as Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Brighton Festival and Dome, responsible for the restoration of the extensive complex of venues in the Brighton Dome and for broadening the appeal of the Festival's programme.

In 1992 he spent two years as Director of the Manchester City of Drama, the UK's national celebration of theatre, part of the Arts Council of England's Arts 2000 scheme.

His experience of international arts began in Edinburgh in 1984 when he became General Manager of the Edinburgh International Festival. In 1989 he became Associate Festival Director working with Frank Dunlop and Sir Brian McMaster.

He moved to the Edinburgh International Festival from his positions as General Manager of the Buxton Festival and Opera House (1981 - 1984) and the Palace Theatre in Watford (1978 - 1981).

His early career was spent stage managing in a range of arts organisations including Musica nel Chiostro in Batignano Italy, the Donovan Maule Theatre in Nairobi, Glyndebourne Opera, Wexford Festival Opera and the '69 theatre Company in Manchester.

He was brought up in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and educated at Cheltenham Grammar School before training as a Stage Manager at the Central School of Speech and Drama. He later gained a degree in Russian and Italian from University College of Wales at Swansea.

His current Board memberships include Dance 4 National Dance Agency, and Dance Umbrella. He is a Governor of Elmhurst School for Dance, Birmingham Royal Ballet's associated dance school.