Changing Faces

Royal Exchange chair retires

Arts Professional
1 min read

The chair of the Royal Exchange Theatre board, ARMOGHAN MOHAMMED, has announced his retirement for “personal reasons”, stepping away from all trustee commitments.

Following the end of his tenure, the Manchester theatre’s board will be led by co-chairs AFSHAN D’SOUZA-LODHI and JO TAYLOR, supported by deputy chair ALISON LOVEDAY, while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Mohammed’s departure follows a period of transition for the Royal Exchange, which saw it adopt a new leadership structure last year. It then became mired in controversy after cancelling the entire run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, following a disagreement with director STEF O’DRISCOLL over references in the show to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Shortly after, actor EVA SCOTT left the board having served just two months.

“Everyone at the Royal Exchange board offers their sincere thanks to Armoghan for his deep commitment and contribution to the theatre,” d’souza-lodhi said.

“Over the last 18 months, the theatre has continued to grow audiences for both award-winning new writing and celebrated classics. We wish him well for a long and happy retirement.”