Leeds Playhouse Appoints Sharon Jandu, Katy Raines, And Beth Watling To Board Of Trustees

Leeds Playhouse has announced the appointment of Sharon Jandu OBE, Katy Raines, and Beth Watling to its Board of Trustees, strengthening the organisation’s leadership as it enters a new phase of development.

The new trustees bring expertise across business leadership, audience engagement, and commercial theatre. Their appointments come as the Playhouse continues to expand its role as a producing theatre with a growing national profile and a strong civic presence in Leeds and West Yorkshire.

NEW TRUSTEES

Sharon Jandu OBE is Director of NPH Business & Policy Forum and Founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association. She has received national recognition for her work in international trade and was awarded an OBE in 2023.

Katy Raines is CEO and Co-Founder of Indigo Ltd and has led major audience research initiatives across the UK and Europe, including large-scale studies examining audience behavior and engagement in the cultural sector.

Beth Watling is Managing Director of Playful Productions and has worked across West End productions and international theatre projects, including large-scale tours and major cultural events.

“I am honoured to join the board of Leeds Playhouse, a cultural institution that sits at the heart of our region's creativity, community, and ambition,” said Jandu.

LEADERSHIP CONTEXT

The appointments come during a period of transition for the organisation under Chief Executive Shawab Iqbal and Artistic Director Tom Wright, who is set to announce his first full season.

Chair Neil Adleman said the additions bring a range of expertise “from their roles as leading players in their respective industries,” while Iqbal noted the importance of aligning governance with the theatre’s artistic and community ambitions.

ORGANISATION BACKGROUND