Rachael Thomas is to be the new executive director at Derby Theatre, managing and developing the organisation’s financial strategy and business plan.
Her career in the cultural sector has spanned 20 years, 17 within the arts and three years in the heritage and museums sector.
She worked at Nottingham Playhouse for ten years as head of finance and business development. She was also a business development consultant at the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham.
Previous roles include director of Phoenix Arts in Leicester and director of the Merlin Theatre in Somerset.
She is currently castle development manager for Lincoln Castle. Over the past three years she has project-managed a £22 million pound restoration of the building.
Rachael Thomas said, “I’m looking forward to joining Sarah Brigham and the team at such an exciting time in Derby Theatre’s development. The unique learning theatre model that’s being pioneered with the University of Derby is visionary and ground-breaking; it represents a huge opportunity for the theatre and the university and could become something of a blueprint for the wider sector.”
Sarah Brigham, the theatre’s artistic director and chief executive, said, “I’m confident that Rachael, with her wealth of experience and knowledge, will be a key and integral member of the team, helping us to take our vision forward.”
She will take up her role at Derby Theatre on Monday 30 November.