Mark Kass
Posted on 1st Apr 2023 by John Rosie
Mark Kass was appointed as the Executive Chair of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Jazz Archive in December 2022.
As founder and Creative Director of East London's leading jazz development agency, the London East Jazz Network CIC (a Community Interest Company), Mark is responsible for curating and promoting live jazz and improvised music. This role includes developing creative and operational partnerships, as well as promoting the business, art, culture, inclusivity, and diversity of jazz music. Mark also sits on the Board of the Jazz Promotion Network, the UK’s trade body for the Jazz sector.
As Chair of one of London’s largest music education hubs he is responsible for evolving and overseeing it's music education strategy. This includes primary and secondary schools within the hub and is in line with the National Curriculum for music education.
Mark is also the CEO of The Enterprise4Good Group, a management consultancy practice working to support the development and growth of start-ups and small businesses. In this role he works closely with charities and not-for-profit organisations to instil “Jazz sensibilities” to their approach to innovation and commercialisation.
Mark’s passion for Jazz music grew from listening to skiffle, progressive (prog) rock, contemporary classical and film soundtrack music. One of his biggest regrets is not listening to his mum who told him he really should "learn to play a musical instrument … properly!"
Mark is East London and Essex "born-and-bred". He is the proud dad of twins and when not listening to Jazz, can often be found underwater with his other passion of scuba diving