Royal Shakespeare Company Announces Shriti Vadera as New Chair

Today the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced the appointment of Shriti Vadera as the new Chair of the RSC. Shriti will take up the role at the AGM this Autumn when the current Chair, Nigel Hugill, steps down after ten years.

The search for the new Chair was led by RSC Board Deputy Chair, Miranda Curtis CMG, working with leading search firm Perrett Laver. The recruitment brief was to identify a candidate to Chair the RSC who was a highly experienced, inclusive leader, committed to the Company's vision, mission and values, and with a proven track record of leading an organisation through significant strategic transformation. Candidates also needed to demonstrate a deep appreciation for the power of theatre, education and culture to enrich society, and a proven commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. As part of the process, all shortlisted candidates were interviewed by members of the RSC's Youth Advisory Board, who described their meeting with Shriti as 'inspirational'.

Shriti will be the first female Chair and first person of colour to lead the RSC Board. She was recently appointed Chair of Prudential plc and was previously Chair of Santander UK (the first woman to Chair a major British bank) and served on the Boards of Astra Zeneca and BHP. Shriti has over 30 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors, domestically as well as internationally, and early in her career served as a Minister in the Cabinet Office and in the International Development and Business Departments. After leaving government she served as an adviser to the G20, and to governments across the globe. Her areas of expertise include strategic change management, cross-cutting policy making and international negotiations. Shriti is a member of the House of Lords, on leave of absence since 2011.

On accepting the appointment Shriti commented:

'I grew up in Uganda and India, in a traditional community where expectations of the development of girls were narrow and strict. I read and imagined Shakespeare before I saw it performed and it opened up a different world, giving me the courage to aspire to possibilities that transformed my life.

'I am passionate about the arts and the impact they can have on the lives of individuals and communities. I have long been a supporter of the RSC, a Company rooted in history and which is modern, innovative and dynamic, uniquely national but also global. It is a Company that is dedicated to the excellence of its art while being acutely aware of its wider roles and responsibilities. As the RSC emerges from one of its most difficult years, responding to the global pandemic, I am excited to be supporting and championing the RSC as its new Chair and to look to the future. It is a joy and an honour.'

Current Chair Nigel Hugill added:

'When you step down as Chair from a place that you care about so deeply, you want to be able to anticipate ongoing success with confidence and to know that responsibility is being passed on to the best of hands. Shriti Vadera believes strongly in the Company's teaching, values and reach and is a marvellous choice as next Chair of the RSC. I could not be more delighted.'

Commenting on the process, which was observed by Arts Council England, Miranda Curtis said:

'In a highly competitive field, Shriti stood out for her professionalism and relevant experience, her profound passion for Shakespeare and the transformative power of theatre, her clarity of vision and understanding of the strategic challenges facing the RSC, and her personal warmth.'

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:

'We're delighted to welcome Baroness Vadera as the new Chair of the RSC, she brings with her a real passion for arts and culture, a wealth of leadership skills melded with business experience.

'The RSC has an international reputation for excellence, producing great theatre that inspires people across the country and the rest of the world, ensuring millions of people can access world class cultural activities and share in creative experiences. A strong, diverse and forward-thinking board is key to this success and I must also pay tribute to Nigel Hugill, as the departing Chair, who has led with innovation, professionalism and commitment for 10 years.'

The post of Chair is held at the discretion of the Board of the RSC, which is a registered Charity (No. 212481). Expenses are paid when claimed, but the post itself is not remunerated.