Northern Ballet recruiting for a new chair

Northern Ballet, one of the UK’s best-loved ballet companies, is launching a search for a new Chair to lead the Company.

David Forbes has stepped down as Chair of Northern Ballet after eight years with the Company, the last two as its Chair, in order to commit more time to his other business interests.  He said:  ‘I am proud to have been a part of Northern Ballet’s extraordinary success and remain a fan and supporter.  My successor will join a company in good shape with exciting prospects.’

Mark Skipper, Chief Executive, said: ‘Northern Ballet continues to go from strength to strength. We have fulfilled the dream of moving to purpose built facilities in the heart of Leeds; we have risen to the challenge of finding new income streams following funding cuts; we have made profitable acquisitions to diversify; we have attracted prestigious new corporate sponsors and been recognised nationally with numerous awards.’

The new Chair will be Northern Ballet’s senior ambassador and develop relationships with its Royal Patron, current funders and sponsors as well as potential new funders. They will have expertise in business and a passion for the arts along with a solid knowledge of the Yorkshire region and the national arts agenda.

Northern Ballet is led by an accomplished team combining robust business practices with a clear artistic vision. Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon received an OBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours list and Chief Executive Mark Skipper was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in 2010.  The Company has attracted a strong board with non-executives drawn from business, the arts, local government and education.

Northern Ballet is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations through which it receives regular funding. With recent cuts in public funding for the arts, Northern Ballet launched an innovative fundraising campaign to secure the future of its dancers. Sponsor a Dancer generated £150k since October 2011. Combined with other initiatives Northern Ballet has increased its fundraising income levels by more than 75% in the past year.

For further information interested parties should contact Mark Skipper, Chief Executive, Northern Ballet, 0113 220 8000. 

Press enquiries should be directed to Ruth Burke-Kennedy, Head of Communications, Northern Ballet, 0113 220 8000.