Creative UK ‘in safe hands’ with appointment of former RSC senior leader as chair

CATHERINE MALLYON is to chair Creative UK from March next year, taking up the post from textiles designer BELINDA BUDGE.

Mallyon, executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company until 2023 and former deputy chief executive of London’s Southbank Centre, is to join the national membership body around the same time that it will wave goodbye to its outgoing chief executive and founder, CAROLINE NORBURY.

An honorary fellow of St John’s College at the University of Oxford, Mallyon’s recent trustee experience involves time serving the boards of Arts Council England and the Creative Industries Federation.

Mallyon described it as an “honour” to succeed Budge, and said: “Creative UK demonstrates the extraordinary societal impact of our creative industries, whilst showcasing the UK as a global leader in creativity and innovation.

“I am looking forward to working alongside the inspiring team and board to grow and enable the UK’s shared creative future, achieving this through celebration, connectivity, advocacy and the provision of resources and financial opportunities.”

Norbury added: “An exceptional and inclusive leader who is renowned throughout our sector, I have no doubt that Catherine will be a driving force for our organisation as we look to the next chapter of our growth.

“This is truly an exciting moment for Creative UK – and I know the organisation could not be in safer hands.”