Catherine Mallyon to become new Chair of Creative UK

Catherine Mallyon CBE has been appointed as the next Chair of Creative UK, the national membership body representing the UK’s cultural and creative industries.

She will take up the role in March 2026, succeeding Belinda Budge, who is stepping down after completing her tenure.

Currently Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust and Executive Director, Transition, at Sadler’s Wells, Catherine brings wide experience across the arts and creative sectors. She previously served as Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company until 2023 and as Deputy Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre.

Her board and advisory work includes positions with Arts Council England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Cultural Leadership Board. She also chaired advisory boards for the Bristol + Bath Creative Cluster and the Centre for Cultural Value at the University of Leeds.

Creative UK Chief Executive Caroline Norbury OBE said Catherine’s appointment marks an important new chapter for the organisation. She added: “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.”

Reflecting on her new role, Catherine said: “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.”

Belinda Budge welcomed her successor, describing her as “a powerful advocate for the importance of creativity” and said she looks forward to a smooth transition ahead of March 2026.

Catherine is also an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, University of Oxford, and holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Warwick. She was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours list.