Lichfield Garrick has secured Karen Foster as its new executive director after a nationwide recruitment campaign.
She has a wealth of experience turning around the fortunes of theatres, growing audiences through community engagement work and strengthening the reputation of venues.
As a former acting head of performance for the Royal College of Music in London, Karen Foster oversaw the international touring schedule of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra.
As orchestra manager of the Academy of Ancient Music in Cambridge, she worked with artists, venues and agents on four continents.
More recently she undertook leadership roles with Sutton Theatres and Salisbury Playhouse, fighting plans to close the Sutton venues and developing a more sustainable financial model to safeguard the future of the premises.
She said, “I’m delighted to be joining the team at the Garrick at a point where the organisation is developing and growing in many exciting ways. I look forward to getting to know the people of Lichfield and to contributing to the rich artistic life of this beautiful city.”
James Leavesley, chairman of the board of trustees at the Garrick, added, “we were overwhelmed with the quality of applications for the role. Karen has a wealth of experience and will complement Tim Ford’s artistic vision.”