John Antcliffe, founder/CEO of U.K. public relations group Smithfield Consultants, has been appointed as the new president of music-venue operator Corporation of London's Royal Albert Hall.

He replaces Charles Fairweather, who oversaw the completion of the recent £70 million ($144 million) refurbishment of venue, which was launched in 1871 by Prince Albert, the husband of England's Queen Victoria.

Antcliffe has served on the Royal Albert Hall's Council since 1992. He became vice president of the Corporation, which oversees the needs of the venue, in October 2005.

Acts appearing at the iconic 5,222-capacity venue this year include Van Morrison, veteran German rock star Herbert Gronemeyer, Erasure, jazz favorite Harry Connick Jr., U.K. soul singer Beverley Knight, plus a host of classical and jazz performances.

According to Billboard