Gate Theatre Names New Executive Director

Today, the Gate Theatre announce that Jo Royce has been appointed Executive Director of the Gate Theatre. Royce joins the Gate from the National Theatre, where she was Senior Corporate Development Manager, with responsibility for building relationships across the corporate sector and managing the NT's major partnerships with American Express, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and Neptune Investment Management. Royce takes over the role of Executive Director this July following her predecessor, Clare Slater, accepting the role of Literary Manager at the Donmar Warehouse.

On accepting the role of Executive Director, Jo Royce said, 'I am delighted to be joining the Gate Theatre at this exciting time. As the home to emerging theatre-makers, I am looking forward to working with the team of talented staff and creatives that Chris and Clare have brought together and to discovering those who are yet to join the family. I would like to thank the Board for giving me this tremendous opportunity and look forward to working with them, with Chris and with the new Artistic Director, to build a vibrant future for the Gate Theatre.'

Artistic Director of the Gate, Christopher Haydon said today 'I am thrilled that Jo will be joining the Gate as our new Executive Director. She has demonstrated a clear understanding and passion for our work and this, combined with the wealth of experience that she brings with her from the National Theatre, means that she is perfectly placed to take the Gate Theatre on to the next stage of its pioneering journey.'

Chair of the Gate Board, Joseph Smith said today, 'Jo Royce is a hugely exciting appointment for the Gate Theatre. The Board were impressed by her tenacity, intelligence and strategic vision for leading the Gate. Her extensive knowledge after four years working in the Development Department of the National Theatre will stand her in good stead and provide a solid platform to face the challenges ahead. We welcome her wholeheartedly to the Gate and look forward to working with her.'

Royce has been working in the arts and culture sector for over 10 years across areas including fundraising, project management and programming. She worked for Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Clear Channel Entertainment (which later become Live Nation UK). In 2007, she joined live music producers, Serious, where she spent five years working on projects including London Jazz Festival and BT River of Music, a two-day multi-site festival which formed part of the London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad.

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