We have welcomed three new appointments to the executive team this Spring!

Ed Browne, Oliver Brown and Aoibheann Kelly have joined us as Head of Finance, Head of Operations and Head of Participation respectively.

Ed is an experienced accountant in the not-for-profit sector, who joined the organisation on 14 June from Inspire North, a housing and mental health and well-being charity. He has significant charity finance expertise and has a wealth of experience in leading finance teams in the sector.

Aoibheann has worked in multiple arts organisations as a creative practitioner and most recently has been delivering freelance projects whilst also working for IVE which is an organisation that delivers projects on behalf of Arts Council England. She joined Theatre Royal Wakefield on Tuesday 6 June.

Oliver’s experience comes predominantly from Technical Theatre roles. Having worked in Technical Director and Head of Production and Technical roles for over 7 years. Oliver is the Vice-Chair for the ABTT and a director for Riding Lights Theatre Company. Oliver joined TRW on Monday 22nd May.

They are welcomed by our exisiting Executive Team members;

Sarah Shooter - Head of Development (since 2018) who is responsible for Fundraising, Funding bids and corporate partnerships as well as overseeing the team who run the theatre’s membership scheme.

Kealey Woodward – Head of Communications & Programme (since 2005) who is responsible for the Marketing & Audience Development strategy as well as overseeing the Programming and Ticket Sales teams.

Katie Town – Executive Director (since 2016) who is responsible for leading the organisation, making strategic decisions whilst overseeing all departments and also reporting to the board of trustees. Of the new appointments she said:

‘We are delighted to welcome Ed, Oliver and Aoibheann to the team. We feel very fortunate to have three very experienced professionals joining us as we head towards our Autumn Season, which is arguably our busiest and most crucial. The whole of the Theatre Royal Wakefield family are already enjoying working with them and I know that together we will continue to grow our work and create memorable theatre experiences in Wakefield.’