Tributes paid following death of Birmingham Royal Ballet CEO
Birmingham Royal Ballet has paid tribute to CEO Caroline Miller who died on Sunday.
A statement from Birmingham Royal Ballet said Caroline (pictured) passed away in the early hours of 15 December after a long illness.
It was announced earlier this month that she would be stepping down from the role in 2025.
Sir David Normington, chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at Birmingham Royal Ballet, in great sadness, as we announce the passing (after a long illness) of our chief executive officer, Caroline Miller OBE.
“We are all totally devastated by her death and at a life cut off in its prime. On a personal note I have lost not just a CEO, but a force of nature, an inspiration and a dear friend.
“Caroline was one of the brightest and most influential figures in the UK and international dance scene, receiving the de Valois award for Outstanding Achievement from the National Dance Awards in 2015, and was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to the arts.
“She brought vision and energy to her role, and helped reaffirm BRB’s position as one of the world’s great ballet companies.”
BRB director Carlos Acosta said: “I am lost for words and utterly saddened at the passing of our dear CEO, valued colleague and friend, Caroline Miller, as is the entire Company and indeed beyond, throughout the dance industry.
“To say she was a leading light is an understatement – she brought fantastic energy, sound advice, vision and good humour to everything she did. I worked very closely with Caroline on a daily basis leading the BRB team and I will miss this hugely.
“Her unparalleled support contributed immeasurably to the many successes BRB has enjoyed internationally since I became director in 2020: reaching record numbers of audiences, touring to countries entirely new to BRB, producing the hugely successful Black Sabbath – The Ballet and standing proudly on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, and so very much more.
“On behalf of all of us at BRB I give heartfelt thanks for her unbridled enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty. She will be remembered with much fondness by all.”
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce CEO Henrietta Brealey was among the leaders from the city to pay tribute to Caroline.
She said: “We are so sorry to hear the news of Caroline's passing and would like to add our thanks to her, in her memory, for the lasting, positive impact she has made on this city and her industry.
“She was a force for good and real champion of innovation in the arts and flying the flag for Birmingham at home and globally through Birmingham Royal Ballet's international tours.
“We will be talking about big moments and bold moves like Black Sabbath the Ballet for years to come.
“My thoughts, and those of my colleagues at the Chamber are with her family, friends and colleagues during this deeply difficult time.”
