The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 10 August 2026.
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Annie Hampson and Katie Town as Trustees of the Theatres Trust Board for six months from 13 September 2026.
Annie Hampson OBE
Annie was formerly the Chief Planning Officer at the City of London and has had a variety of senior Local Government roles over a period of 40 years. She was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to Planning in London. She is currently the Chair of the Diocese of London Advisory Committee which covers 460 Churches and in addition advises on a number of development and strategic Committees and architectural selection panels. She is also a Judge for the International Property Awards.
Katie Town
Katie Town is Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Wakefield, a Grade II listed Frank Matcham theatre in West Yorkshire. Since joining the organisation in 2015, she has led a period of significant creative and organisational transformation, including the delivery of a major capital development and new theatre extension. Katie previously worked as General Manager of the National Theatre’s Learning Department. Originally a barrister, she pursued a career in the arts, with roles at Royal Opera House and then in a range of arts organisations, including Candoco Dance Company.
Alongside her executive leadership role, Katie is Chair of Arts Catalyst, a contemporary arts organisation supporting artists and communities through socially engaged practice. She is also a Co-Founder of the Local Theatre Touring Alliance, a national network advocating for the future of local theatre and touring across the UK.
Remuneration and Governance Code
The Trustees of the Theatres Trust are not remunerated.
These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.
Annie Hampson and Katie Town have declared no such political activity.
Notes to Editors
DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.