Meet our Senior Management Team

 

David Sulkin - Chief Executive

David brings a wealth of experience from his varied international career in education, the performing arts and broadcasting during which he has held a number of executive positions.

Graduating from the Rose Bruford College in 1973, David spent two years acting at the Donovan Maule Theatre in Nairobi, East Africa, before returning to England to co-found the Hoxton Hall Community Theatre Project. Located in one of the most deprived communities in London, the project used theatre and music as a social and educational tool to address some of the challenges faced by people living in the area. David became director of the Royal Court Young People's Theatre in 1980, helping to nurture young writers and direct plays by young people. In 1985 he founded the Baylis Programme at the English National Opera, a cross-organisation department to champion audience development and interaction engaging with adults, young people and children.

After time spent as a freelance arts specialist and educator, David joined Youth Music, a Lottery-funded charity that provides access to music-making for disadvantaged children and young people.
As Director of Policy and Programmes, he was responsible for designing and developing the bid to government to secure £40m investment in the National Singing Programme Sing Up.

David joined the Musicians Benevolent Fund in 2009 as CEO, charged with redefining the role of the Fund in the context of the modern music business.

David rides a Triumph Daytona motorcycle for fun.

Watch the video below to see David talk about the Songwriting Awards 2009 and the role of the Fund in today's music industry.

Susan Dolton - Director of Giving

Susan studied singing and piano at the Royal Academy of Music where she gained an LRAM. In 2004, she was awarded an ARAM. Her career began with PRS for Music where she ran major projects including the John Lennon Award and Vivian Ellis Musical Theatre Prize. She then worked freelance with orchestras and the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. Susan returned to PRS for Music to manage their grant-giving programme for new British music initiating projects such as Composers in Education and Awards for jazz promoters. As Director of Giving at the Musicians Benevolent Fund, Susan looks after all aspects of supporting musicians as well as helping us to raise the money we need to continue our work.

Martin Ensom - Director of Operations

Martin initially trained and worked as an architect before turning to residential social work with children. He ran a number of children’s homes in the public and private sector and qualified as a social worker in the early 80’s. Martin then joined the RNID, as a manager of a large residential home for deaf people and eventually worked his way up the organisation, to become Director of all Care Services, supporting over 400 people, in care homes, supported housing and the community. After 23 years with the RNID he joined the Fund as Director of Resources at the beginning of 2008. Outside work, Martin enjoys the theatre, his family and supporting some other charity activities.