Sandeep Mahal and Vicky Cheetham named as Interim Co-Executive Directors by RSC Board

They will replace outgoing Executive Director Catherine Mallyon when she steps down in late December after 11 years.

Vicky Cheetham (l) and Sandeep Mahal (r), interim Co-Executive Directors
Photo by Simon Hadley © RSC Browse and license our images

Vicky Cheetham and Sandeep Mahal will take up the post from 23 December whilst the recruitment process for the permanent Executive Director continues.

Vicky joined the RSC in January 2023 as Executive Advisor, having previously been Managing Director of Tate and Executive Director Arts, at London’s Southbank Centre. She has also held a range of roles at the Barbican including as Executive Producer of their international multi-genre music programme. 

Sandeep joined the RSC’s Senior Leadership Team as Leadership Associate (Executive) in January 2022 to help guide the RSC’s strategic review with a focus on diversifying the voices leading and governing the organisation.

Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, co-Artistic Directors

“We’re delighted to be working with Vicky and Sandeep as we look ahead to the RSC's next chapter. Both have vast leadership experience as well as a proven track record of innovation. Their existing knowledge of the RSC and practical experience of navigating cultural change makes them ideal collaborators for this moment in the Company’s evolution. It’s a brilliant appointment by the Board and we're thrilled to be working in partnership with them."

Stephanie Dittmer, RSC Director of Development

In addition, two more senior appointments are being announced, with Lisa Hughes joining the RSC as Chief Financial Officer, alongside Stephanie Dittmer as Director of Development.  

Stephanie joins the Company from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures where she serves as Associate Executive Director. Previous to this, Stephanie was Co-Director of the Institute of Imagination and served for almost a decade in the leadership team at the Donmar Warehouse. 

Lisa Hughes comes from her role as Chief Operating Officer at River Learning Trust. Lisa has worked at Executive and Non- Executive levels in the not-for-profit sector for 18 years. 

Lisa Hughes, RSC Chief Financial Officer
The artist © RSC Browse and license our images
Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, co-Artistic Directors

"This is a time for renewal at the RSC. As we begin this new chapter, we welcome Stephanie and Lisa’s combined experience, spanning diverse sectors and multiple artforms. They will be invaluable as we look ahead to the future under new artistic and senior leadership."

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