Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake has announced its appointment of a new executive director.
Simon Stephens will work alongside artistic director Liz Stevenson in a joint leadership role to continue growing the theatre as a cultural hub.
He will join the theatre’s team in mid-March from his current role of head of commercial and visitor experience at Contact in Manchester, where he also led on the reopening campaign following a major capital redevelopment.
Liz said: “I am thrilled that Simon is joining us at this moment – his passion, drive and experience will help us to secure the theatre’s future as a vital centre of creativity for Cumbria and a producing theatre whose work is celebrated on the national stage.
“The team are excited about what Simon will bring to the organisation, and we look forward to welcoming him to Keswick.”
Simon’s career also includes a successful tenure as commercial manager at the Everyman and Playhouse in Liverpool and he is set to bring to the theatre his commercial expertise in developing business strategy.
Simon said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Theatre by the Lake and making this beautiful region a home for my family. I’m relishing the opportunity to work with Liz and the team in furthering the commitment to championing Cumbrian voices, producing outstanding work and embedding the theatre as a welcoming, vibrant hub at the heart of the Keswick community.”
Chair of the Theatre by the Lake board, Charles Carter, added: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to the Theatre by the Lake team, following an extensive recruitment process. He brings the commitment, enthusiasm and commercial experience that we were looking for to take on this important role.”
