Chickenshed is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Jane Paterson-Todd MBA; FCMI. Jane brings years of experience in strategic planning and executive vision across both the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Jane is an agile, driven and visionary leader with a passionate belief in the development of partnerships. Her diverse management experience and astute business sense, combined with her longstanding interest in the arts, equip her well to make an outstanding contribution to the future of Chickenshed.

“I am overjoyed to be joining Chickenshed" says Jane. “It is a remarkable company that produces the most beautiful and memorable theatre performances working on the belief that everyone and anyone should be included, regardless of their background, age, race or ability. The company allows all clients and supporters (funders, audiences, students) to be involved and engage in a way that is very different and fulfilling. The nature of this organisation and its huge potential to give more young people, students and adult groups a life-changing experience, encourages me to develop Chickenshed’s business initiatives and take the company onto the next level of its development. I intend to concentrate on building a stable environment for its sustainable growth."

Jane has had an extremely wide and varied career, most recently as Group Commercial Director with Emap Ltd and previously as Head of Development, Sponsorship and Corporate Funding at the Barbican Art Centre.

Jane was awarded an MBA with Distinction from the Westminster Business School.

Prior to her MBA, Jane had a career in the media ranging from the national press - The Telegraph and Times Newspapers - to the consumer interest sector including magazines such as Elle and Elle Decoration.

Mary Ward, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Chickenshed says: “As we embark on the next 35 years of our Chickenshed journey we are delighted that Jane has joined us. We have a vision for our beloved Company and we are confident that Jane’s dynamism, professional and human experience will be instrumental in us achieving it.”