Chief Executive Appointment Announced

22 Dec 2011

The Octagon Theatre Bolton has announced today that Roddy Gauld (pictured) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive, taking up the role at the end of April 2012.  

Roddy is currently Director, National Portfolio at Arts Council England where he is responsible for introducing the new national portfolio funding programme.  In six years at the Arts Council he has worked regionally and nationally as a theatre and touring specialist.  He was previously Administration Manager for Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and has a background in youth and participatory arts.

Roddy commented on his appointment: “I am delighted to be joining the Octagon Theatre.  I’ve always been impressed by the quality of its productions, its commitment to young people and the community, and the pride that Bolton has in its theatre.  I know already there is huge potential for the Octagon to play an even greater role locally and nationally and I am really excited about the opportunities ahead for the theatre”.

Chief Executive of the Arts Council, Alan Davey, commented: “Roddy has been a real asset to the Arts Council having played a crucial role in the design and implementation of our new National Portfolio funding programme which has been praised for its openness and transparency. The success of the Arts Council depends on our continued exchange of talent, knowledge and expertise with the wider arts sector. I wish Roddy all the best in his new role at the Octagon and I’m sure his leadership will ensure the theatre continues to go from strength to strength.”

Roddy will take up his new role on Monday 30 April 2012 joining a strong team that is led on the artistic side by Artistic Director David Thacker and Associate Director Elizabeth Newman. Current Executive Director, John Blackmore, is leaving to pursue his freelance work as a theatre consultant following twelve very successful years at the Octagon Theatre.

Chair of the Octagon Theatre Board, Margaret Blenkinsop, commented: “Roddy’s experience, both nationally and regionally, equips him to build upon the Octagon’s strong reputation and will help to lead us into our next phase of development.”

For additional information, interview requests and images please contact Helen Jones on: 01204 556505 or email helen.jones@octagonbolton.co.uk

Roddy Gauld Recent Career History

Director, National Portfolio Arts Council England May 2011 – Present (8 months)
Interim Director for the implementation of the new National Portfolio of funded organisations, managing the policy and process of the Arts Council's investment in and relationship with funded organisations.

Senior Manager, Theatre Arts Council England October 2009 – May 2011 (1 year 8 months)
Established a new national theatre team to assess lottery funding (Grants for the arts) applications. Also Grants for the arts lead on arts participation/audiences and for the London region.

Theatre/Touring Officer Arts Council England 2006 – 2009 (3 years) Manchester
Responsible for advising and assessing funded theatres and performing arts companies, specialising in touring and organisational development.

Administration and Events Manager Lawrence Batley Theatre 2002 – 2005 (3 years)
Wide ranging arts administration duties including funding relationships, project management, company secretary responsibilities and artistic programming.