Lisa Maguire Appointed New Executive Director Of Headlong
Today we announced Lisa Maguire as our new Executive Director and Joint CEO. Lisa, who is currently Executive Producer and Deputy CEO at National Theatre of Wales, will take up the position from Alan Stacey in Spring 2022.
Lisa joins Headlong after a nine year tenure at National Theatre Wales. As Executive Producer and Deputy CEO she oversaw the creation of over 40 multi-artform productions in an extraordinary range of locations across Wales, internationally and online. These included critically acclaimed productions such as Tonypandemonium, The Gathering/Yr Helfa, Mametz, Iliad, City of the Unexpected, We’re Still Here, Refrain and On Bear Ridge. For seven years she worked as Executive Producer and joint CEO at Frantic Assembly where she helped create an award-winning series of productions watched by over 175,000 people in the UK and internationally. Lisa previously worked at the Young Vic and Lyric Hammersmith and her work as an independent producer has included projects with Manchester International Festival, The Work Theatre Collective and the London fringe. She holds a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and is a trustee of Common Wealth.
In her new position as Executive Director, Lisa will work closely with Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan as the company continues to bring innovative new writing, reimagined classics and influential 20th Century plays by some of the UK’s finest artists to audiences across the country. Together Holly and Lisa will lead Headlong as it creates work that responds to the significant shifts in the UK’s cultural, social and political landscape, nurtures the next generation of artists and theatre makers and delivers on its commitments to justice and equality.
Lisa Maguire says: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Holly and the team at Headlong. It’s been an honour to be a part of the National Theatre Wales journey. Connecting with the incredible people and places of Wales, and collaborating with remarkable theatre makers and communities to create extraordinary experiences. I’m excited about working with Holly to explore how a producing powerhouse like Headlong can respond to the challenges this moment presents for reaching out to audiences across the UK and the opportunities of contributing positively towards a fairer, more equal and more sustainable theatre community. All whilst retaining the bold and original storytelling the company is renowned for.’
Holly Race Roughan, Artistic Director of Headlong says: “I’m delighted Lisa is bringing her integrity, brilliance and wealth of touring experience to Headlong. I cannot wait to get stuck in with her as we navigate the next phase of Headlong’s adventure, alongside our freelance community. There are many exciting opportunities ahead and Lisa is expertly placed to make the most of them. A hugely valuable asset to the company, Lisa will take over from Alan Stacey who leaves Headlong in excellent shape for its next chapter.”
Donna Munday, Chair of Headlong says: “I am delighted that Lisa has been appointed to be Executive Director and Joint CEO of Headlong, following a rigorous recruitment process. It is an exciting time for the company, having appointed Holly Race Roughan as our new Artistic Director earlier this year, and we are looking forward to Holly and Lisa's partnership creating innovative and exhilarating theatre for audiences across the UK. I am confident that Lisa’s vision, expertise, entrepreneurship and commitment to making theatre accessible for all will make a significant contribution to the long-term success of Headlong. Everyone on the board is looking forward to working with her.”
Clive Jones, Chair of National Theatre Wales says: “We will be very sorry to lose Lisa from National Theatre Wales. She has been a vital part of our leadership over the last nine years and has made a huge contribution to the work of NTW and the wider theatre culture in Wales. We will miss her talent, commitment, enthusiasm and expertise. We wish her every success in her new role at Headlong. Diolch yn Fawr Lisa.”