The Stage

Bishop to replace Lynch as chief executive of Southbank Centre

Published Thursday 23 October 2008 at 12:05 by Lalayn Baluch

Alan Bishop, chief executive of the government’s communications agency the Central Office of Information, is to take over from Michael Lynch as chief executive of the Southbank Centre next year.

Bishop, who is also a former chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi, will join the organisation early in the new year and will work alongside Lynch until he leaves in April.

Commenting on the appointment, Rick Haythornwaite, chairman of the Southbank Centre Board, said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Bishop as chief executive of Southbank Centre. He is the right man for the job and someone who has the skills to lead the organisation through its next major stage of development - looking towards the Olympics and beyond.

“Not only has he considerable experience of managing large, complex organisations, both in the public and private sectors, but he also has tremendous clarity of thought and focus, and an understanding of the needs of creative thinkers and practitioners.”

Haythornwaite also paid tribute to Lynch and his work in the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall and the transformation of the Southbank Centre site.

Bishop added: “I am passionate about taking on this important role at London’s and the world’s leading art venue. I really look forward to working closely with chairman Rick Haythornwaite, artistic director Jude Kelly, and the whole of the Southbank Centre team to build on the triumph of the reopening and the many achievements so far.”