The Albany welcomes new co-CEOs

Southeast London arts centre, The Albany, has named MIMI FINDLAY as new co-CEO and executive director. She will be joined by VICKI DELA AMEDUME, who has been promoted to creative director and co-CEO.

Their appointment follows the departure of GAVIN BARLOW after two decades as CEO.

Findlay joins from The Bush, where she has been executive director and co-chief executive since 2023, and has also worked with companies including Clean Break, Talawa, Fuel, the National Theatre and Paines Plough.

She was previously administrative producer at The Albany for London Borough of Culture 2022 – We Are Lewisham.

Dela Amedume first joined The Albany in 2021 as associate director. She also served as associate director of the London Borough of Culture 2022 and was previously associate director at The New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire.

She is founder of the contemporary circus company, Upswing and will continue there as artistic director and CEO.

“I look forward to joining Vicki and the team at the Albany to continue the incredible work started by Gavin and [former managing director] Shenay, exploring what the future of the arts can be, and situating the Albany as a leader in delivering our shared vision to clarify, protect, and uplift the purpose of cultural provision.”

MICHELLE MATHERSON, chair of the board, added, “Mimi brings an incredible depth of experience in community arts and theatre, along with a meaningful connection to Lewisham – making her a perfect fit for this next chapter in the Albany’s journey.

“Mimi’s passion for championing local voices and advocating on behalf of our organisation will be a huge asset to our work. I’m really looking forward to working with her and Vicki as they lead the Albany into an exciting future for Deptford, Lewisham, and beyond.”