Former Director of Business Transformation at Tate, Ben Howarth, will join the university as CEO of Lakeside Arts in September.

Ben has recently finished a two-year term at Tate, helping the organisation devise a new strategy in a post-Covid world.

He has spent the majority of his career at the BBC, latterly as Chief of Staff for BBC Radio and Music.

He has also carried out various senior strategy and transformation roles leading projects of change as the broadcaster shifted from a linear-first to digital-first model.

Ben also chairs the Woolwich Works charitable trust, a multi-disciplinary cultural hub on the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, where he leads on stakeholder management with the local authority, senior recruitment and financial support.

Helen Pennack, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the university, said: “I’m really excited that Ben will be joining us – his skills and experience speak for themselves.

“I’m looking forward to introducing him to our excellent Lakeside Arts team, and seeing where his leadership takes us.“

Ben said: “I am very excited to be taking on this role, building on the strong foundations already in place and the fantastic location of Lakeside Arts.

“I’m looking forward to working with Lakeside Arts staff, the university, and the broader creative community to further unlock the obvious potential of Lakeside Arts as we seek to attract the broadest audience possible.”