Catherine Mallyon CBE has been announced as the incoming chair of Creative UK, the national membership body for the UK’s cultural and creative industries.
Mallyon, who is currently chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust and executive director, transition, at Sadler’s Wells, succeeds current chair Belinda Budge, who has reached the end of her tenure in the role, and will take up the post from March 2026.
The experienced creative industries leader was executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company until 2023, and before that was deputy chief executive of Southbank Centre.
Recent Board memberships include Arts Council England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, West Midlands Combined Authority Cultural Leadership Board, and the Creative Industries Federation.
She has also served as chair of the Advisory Boards of both the Bristol + Bath Creative Cluster and the Centre for Cultural Value, based at the University of Leeds.
Caroline Norbury OBE, chief executive of Creative UK, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Catherine is joining our organisation as chair.
“An exceptional and inclusive leader who is renowned throughout our sector, I have no doubt that Catherine will be a driving force for our organisation as we look to the next chapter of our growth. This is truly an exciting moment for Creative UK – and I know the organisation could not be in safer hands.
“I also want to take a moment to thank Belinda Budge once again for her guidance, unwavering support and strategic leadership. A true champion for creativity, her impact has been immeasurable – and we are extremely grateful for her years of service.”
Mallyon CBE added: “Creative UK demonstrates the extraordinary societal impact of our creative industries, whilst showcasing the UK as a global leader in creativity and innovation.
“I am looking forward to working alongside the inspiring team and Board to grow and enable the UK’s shared creative future, achieving this through celebration, connectivity, advocacy and the provision of resources and financial opportunities.
“It is an honour to succeed Belinda Budge as Chair and to play a part in delivering the full potential of the UK’s cultural and creative industries.”
