The Actors’ Benevolent Fund (ABF) has named LOYD GROSSMAN as Chair. The organisation has also named ABI ENOLA as Vice Chair.
The appointments follow the formation of a new board of trustees last month following a turbulent few years for the charity.
A noted broadcaster, author and cultural campaigner, Grossman is Chairman of The Royal Parks, President of the Arts Society and patron of the Association for Heritage Interpretation.
Enola is is a former actress now working as a tutor and leadership coach with organisations including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Speaking of his appointment, Grossman said: "I am honoured and delighted that my fellow trustees have chosen me to Chair this historic and important charity. Acting and stage management can be precarious occupations, and the ABF is there to help when times are tough, as they are for many in the current cost-of-living crisis."
Enola added: "This is a new chapter in the charity’s long history, and I’m fully committed to our purpose - to always be there for actors and stage managers when they need our support."
ABF, which has around £40m in assets and operates hardship funds to support actors and stage managers in England and Wales, has been embroiled in a leadership row since 2022 when a group of 10 trustees, led by former ABF President for 32 years Dame Penelope Keith, was ousted from the board. Earlier this month, alleged electoral fraud at the charity led to the launch of a police investigation.
Alison Wyman, CEO of Actors’ Benevolent Fund, said, “With Loyd and Abi now in post and the new board in place, we are focused on forming new and innovative initiatives to help even more people when they face tough times and hardship.”