Leeds Heritage Theatres (LHT) has named VICKY CHEETHAM as its new CEO.
Cheetham will join LHT this summer, succeeding CHRIS BLYTHE, who has been in the post since 2015 and will retire at the end of March.
Currently, interim Co-Executive Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Cheetham has also been Managing Director of Tate, Executive Director of Arts at Southbank Centre, and Executive Producer at London’s Barbican.
ALAN GAY, Chair of the LHT - which comprises Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House - said Cheetham had "the right mix of skills and experience to support the development of our programme, ensuring we make the most of our heritage venues whilst safeguarding their future and helping us to bring the extraordinary joy of film and performance to people across Leeds and the wider region.”
Cheetham added: “As Chief Executive, I want to deliver exceptional experiences that are culturally inclusive and relevant to both residents and the wider cultural sector.
“I was fascinated to read about the work and ambitions of both Leeds Heritage Theatres and the wider Leeds cultural sector. I grew up in Leeds, attending school on Headingley Lane near the Hyde Park Picture House, and was a member of Leeds Youth Orchestra and City of Leeds Concert Band.
“I benefitted from growing up in the city; it is a place full of rich cultural opportunities and ambition, a home for creative innovators, artists and teachers with a passion for connecting to the local and the global, and I am delighted to be able to return.”