Chair

In 2026, the iconic Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester celebrates 50 years of producing award-winning theatre, creating work that is ambitious in ideas, form and scale. Our breathtaking 759 seat theatre – a unique architectural and democratic space – sits at the centre of a fast-paced, diverse and expanding global city with artists, audiences and communities at the heart of everything we do. Our brave and bold programming, both on and off our stages, has been critically acclaimed and celebrated for its originality, relevance and artistic risk.

As we enter the next chapter of our artistic evolution, led by recently appointed Artistic Director & Co-CEO Selina Cartmell, and as we progress through the appointment of a new Executive Director & Co-CEO, we seek a visionary and dynamic board leader to work with Selina, our new ED, and the wider board and team, helping us shape a future that is artist-centred, collaborative and daring. Our aim is to create a theatre of world-class excellence, a pioneering beacon for cultural and social change. The Royal Exchange will be a passionate theatrical powerhouse for theatre makers, empowering artistic growth through creative collaboration and partnership; nurturing new talent, investing in new ideas and championing artists at all levels to take risks and challenge their own practice, creating an environment for ambitious experimentation.

The Chair will be a lead advocate and ambassador for the Royal Exchange, will lead, support and enable the Board, and will support the highest quality of governance leadership in partnership with the Co-CEOs (Artistic Director and Executive Director). Candidates will have a passion for the arts and bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and good business acumen. They will be excited to engage externally and champion the Royal Exchange with local, regional and national stakeholders and partners and have a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in alignment with the mission and values of the organisation.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Royal Exchange Theatre on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details

about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference JBULB. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 11th July 2025.