Kate Mackonochie to join The Marlowe as Executive Director

Wed 17 Apr 2024

The Marlowe has announced the appointment of Kate Mackonochie as their new Executive Director. Kate will join the three-person Executive team alongside Chief Executive, Deborah Shaw, and Chief Operating Officer, Paul Turner.

Kate Mackonochie joins The Marlowe from Factory International in Manchester where she has been Director of Producing since 2021. She was part of the strategic leadership team which took Manchester International Festival through a period of significant change, moving to year-round programming, culminating in the opening of the one of the most significant new cultural projects in Europe, Aviva Studios.

With over 20 years’ experience in both the commercial and subsidised theatre sectors, she joined Manchester International Festival in 2009. Prior to that she worked in administration at the Old Vic and the National Theatre, after beginning her career in their Education team. Kate is also a Clore Fellow.

Kate joins The Marlowe as they begin the exciting next phase of their business development, as they ramp up their producing capability, expand the scale and range of the work they present on their stages and develop their role as a training organisation, both in-house and across the region.

Responsible for the business management and operational aspects of the organisation (involving direct oversight of operations, marketing & communications, development, technical, health & safety and licencing), Kate will also lead on strategy development and special projects, including capital projects and driving cultural change.

Speaking about her appointment, Kate said:
“I am delighted to be appointed as Executive Director at The Marlowe Theatre. As a Kent local, it’s hugely exciting to be joining one of the regions most important cultural institutions, a powerhouse for the performing arts in Kent. I am thrilled to be joining on the cusp of an exciting move towards becoming a producing house and can’t wait to support the organisation through this exciting chapter.”

Chief Executive at The Marlowe, Deborah Shaw, said:
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Kate as our Executive Director. Kate is held in high regard across the theatre sector and brings a wealth of experience in strategic management within ambitious, innovative organisations. Her skills and expertise will be a tremendous asset as we embark on developing and expanding The Marlowe over the next few years. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming her to the team.”