We are delighted to announce that Simon Johnson will be joining the Royal Exchange Theatre as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Simon is a champion of the arts, his passion extends through music, theatre, film and literature. He is a media and technology executive and a skilled board leader with more than twenty years of experience across the creative industries. He was a trustee of the Bush Theatre for over a decade and its Chair for six years, during which he oversaw the renovation of the theatre building, the creation of a studio theatre and supported the team on the expansion of audiences, funding and new writing programmes.
Alongside Simon’s appointment two new trustees will also be joining the Board. The Exchange is thrilled to welcome Ben Power, a Tony Award winning and BAFTA and Olivier Award nominated writer for theatre, film and television and Raj Mahapatra, senior legal counsel at Wilson Sonsini and experienced charity Chair, bringing particular expertise in governance, policy and strategic leadership.
Royal Exchange Theatre Artistic Director/Co-CEO, Selina Cartmell said:
“Simon is an exceptional appointment as the new Chair of our Board and we cannot wait to start working with him in this our 50th anniversary year. He brings with him the thrilling combination of a wealth of executive experience and a passion for the arts. His support for our ambitious vision to reinvigorate this iconic Theatre is invaluable, and his desire to champion the importance of world class theatre, build new and diverse audiences and create robust eco-systems for artists and communities is exactly what this northern theatrical powerhouse was founded on. In addition, we are also excited to welcome the brilliant Ben Power and Raj Mahapatra who bring with them a dynamic set of skills and specialist expertise that will also guide and inspire us as we embark on our exciting next chapter.”
Simon added:
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Royal Exchange Theatre at this exciting time, and delighted to welcome Ben and Raj to the board. I could not be more excited by Selina’s bold artistic vision for the organisation and the new creative partnership between her and our incoming Executive Director/Co-CEO Sheena Wrigley. Together, they bring huge energy and ambition. The 50th anniversary A HOMECOMING programme is both a celebration of the Exchange’s extraordinary history and a statement of intent about the future, a theatre that is fresh, rooted in Manchester now, and unafraid to think big. As someone who grew up in the North-West it is a particular privilege to join the team, trustees, supporters and audiences at a world-class theatre with an unwavering commitment to represent and enrich Northern cultural identity, audiences and community alongside an ambition to bring those stories and artists to national and international stages. I am looking forward to an exciting journey ahead.”
