New Trustee and Governor appointments announced at the RSC

Sir Nick Varney. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced the appointment of Sir Nick Varney as Trustee and Governor and Baroness Martha Lane-Fox as Governor. All appointments are subject to ratification at the Annual General Meeting.

RSC Chair Shriti Vadera said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Nick and Martha to the RSC. Their commercial, digital and innovation experience and commitment to access and excellence will be invaluable as we continue to broaden our reach and deepen our connection with audiences at home and around the world.”

Sir Nick Varney brings extensive experience in global visitor experiences and large-scale audience engagement. He is best known as the founding Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments, where he led the company’s transformation into one of the world’s leading location-based entertainment businesses. Under his leadership, Merlin grew to operate internationally renowned attractions, delivering innovative and accessible experiences to millions of visitors worldwide. His expertise in scaling cultural and entertainment organisations will be invaluable as the RSC continues to develop its audience strategy and commercial opportunities both in the UK and internationally.

Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Baroness Martha Lane-Fox is a highly respected figure in digital innovation, inclusion, and public service. A co-founder of Gov.uk and Lastminute.com, she has transformed how people access government services online and played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s digital landscape. She currently serves in the House of Lords and has held numerous public appointments, including work focused on improving digital access and skills across the country. Her leadership in championing digital inclusion and leveraging technology for social good will support the RSC’s ambitions to reach broader and more diverse audiences.

With the appointment of Sir Nick Varney, the RSC’s Board of Trustees will comprise 13 people, all chosen for their varied skills and experience. The Board works closely with the RSC’s Co-Artistic Directors, Executive Director and senior management team in leading the Company. All Trustees are also Governors of the RSC.  In total, with the appointments announced today, there will be 31 Governors of the RSC.

Full details can be found here: https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/whos-who