Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, which develops, licenses, and manages the brand strategy for the composer's shows and music around the globe, has named James McKnight its new chief executive officer.

McKnight will join the London-based company in December after leading global brand strategy for Björn Ulvaeus’ Pophouse Entertainment. He will continue his relationship with Pophouse as part of its Investment Advisory Committee.

McKnight also spent seven years as chief creative officer for the Harry Potter franchise at The Blair Partnership, overseeing global strategy and development of the franchise, including partnerships with the teams at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Warner Bros. Discovery.

McKnight said in a statement, “Andrew Lloyd Webber has always been synonymous with breaking new ground and driving change and innovation in live theatre, music, and the wider entertainment world with his incredible compositions and ground-breaking productions. I’ve built my career around strategically and meaningfully taking entertainment brands into new spaces and introducing them to new audiences, and I’m thrilled I’ll soon get the opportunity to continue that journey with Andrew, the Really Useful Group team, and their exceptional partners worldwide.”

Lloyd Webber added, “James brings with him exceptional experience taking some of the world’s biggest entertainment titles and exploring them in new and interesting ways for diverse audiences. His experience matches our ambition to continue to break ground across different entertainment areas, while maintaining a strong focus on growing our live theatre business. We’re all delighted he will be joining us later in the year.”

Among the musicals managed by The Really Useful Group are The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, and School of Rock–The Musical. The company operates across theatre, film, and television, working with key partners and developing new projects worldwide.