Kenneth is a key figure in the UK arts and culture scene with over 35 years professional experience in the sector. He began his career as a dancer; as one of the leading dance artists of his generation, he performed for 13 years with the internationally-acclaimed London Contemporary Dance Theatre and then with other leading companies during a 25 year career as a performer, choreographer, teacher and director.
From 2007 to 2016, he was Chief Executive of The Place, the UK’s leading centre for contemporary dance development, holding responsibility for the overall leadership, strategy and management of The Place and its 100 full time staff, while acting as the public face of the organisation and as an ambassador for its work.
He is a devoted champion of the arts, cultural learning, creativity and diversity, and frequently presents as a keynote speaker in a variety of contexts, from schools to leadership courses, industry related events and the corporate sector. He is a regular contributor to Speakers for Schools.
He has served on various arts Boards, including The Royal Opera House. He is currently a Patron of Akademi and The Place; a Trustee of New Adventures, the Chineke! Foundation and the Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund; and is a School Governor.
In September 2015 Kenneth was named among the London Evening Standard’s annual Progress1000 list of ‘The 1000 most influential Londoners’. He appears in eight successive Powerlists of Britain’s most influential people of African and African Caribbean heritage, as well as in Who’s Who. 2018 will be his third year serving on the judging panel of the Black British Business Awards.
In 2003 Kenneth was made an OBE in recognition of his services to dance, and in June 2017 was made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, also in recognition of his service to dance.