The boss of Classic FM has been hired as the new chief executive of Arts Council England.

Darren Henley, who lives in Canterbury, will succeed Alan Davey at the government-funded body, who is leaving to become controller of Radio 3 after seven years.

As well as leading Classic FM since 1999, Mr Henley has authored two government reviews into music and cultural education.

Published in 2011 and 2012, they led to England’s first national plan for music education.

Mr Henley is a trustee of the Canterbury Festival and has written 27 books about music and the arts.

He said he was sad to be leaving Classic FM but that he was “privileged” to have the opportunity to lead “this important organisation” which will have invested £1.9bn of public money over five years by the end of next year.

Mr Henley said: “Public investment has ensured the vitality and creativity of England’s cultural life.

“Arts Council England and the artists, performers and institutions we invest in contribute to who we are as a nation.

“I’m privileged to have the opportunity to lead this important organisation and support the extraordinary creativity and innovation that exists across the country in arts organisations, museums, galleries and libraries...” - Darren Henley

“I’m privileged to have the opportunity to lead this important organisation and support the extraordinary creativity and innovation that exists across the country in arts organisations, museums, galleries and libraries.”

His predecessor Alan Davey is considered a big loss to Arts Council England. He negotiated it through cuts in government funding and a 50% reduction in administration costs.

Mr Henley added: “Alan Davey leaves quite a legacy. He made sure that the Arts Council enabled great work to happen.

“I want to build on that by working with our National Chair and the Chairs of our Area Councils to champion the importance of art and culture in so many aspects of our lives – personal, social and economic.

“Of course we must be responsive and adapt to the world around us, but the foundation stone is laid in terms of the Arts Council’s 10 year strategy.”

Arts Council England chairman Sir Peter Bazalgette added: “We were lucky to have a deeply impressive and varied shortlist to choose from.

“Darren emerged as the strongest candidate. The role of chief executive of the Arts Council requires a broad range of skills including a deep well of leadership experience, the ability to navigate the corridors of Whitehall and Westminster and a determination to make art and culture matter for individuals, for our communities and our country.

“Darren has already had a significant influence on the cultural education policy of this country and is a worthy successor to Alan Davey.”

Global, the owners of Classic FM, and Arts Council England are yet to agree a date for Mr Henley to take up his new role.