JULIAN BIRD will step down as Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre in May.
Bird initially intended to step down in November to coincide with his 10th anniversary in the role but says the pandemic "intervened in that".
He will oversee the 2022 Olivier Awards and the completion of a study into the economic impact of theatre before his departure.
“There will be time to reflect on the past years in due course, but I would like now to express my enormous gratitude to both boards, and the extraordinary team of staff that I have the privilege to lead,” Bird said.
UK Theatre President Stephanie Sirr said the industry is in a much better place thanks to Bird’s work: “We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude."
“[Bird] has transformed all areas of the organisation over the last 10 years and has led us with commitment, care and calm,” SOLT President Eleanor Lloyd added
The two organisations will employ a global executive search and leadership advisor to help find Bird’s replacement.