Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust has announced the addition of a new member to the board of Trustees. Kathryn Marten joined the board on 25 Feb 2025.   

Kathryn is Chief Development Officer at the National Theatre, having joined the company in 2008. Over that time, she has overseen a transformational change in the organisation’s funding, enabling growth and innovation on stage and off thanks to a broad and generous supporter base in the UK and US. Before that, Kathryn spent six years at English National Opera. She served as a trustee of the Bush Theatre 2016-2022.  

Kathryn grew up in the East Midlands and read English Literature at the University of Kent. She is passionate about world-class theatre being available to audiences across the UK and believes that the UK’s mix of private and public support for culture is what drives a healthy and ambitious culture of inclusivity and access.  

This appointment to the board is the latest of five new appointments this year, adding specialist skills and strategic guidance to the Charitable Trust.  

Birmingham Hippodrome Chair, Catherine Mallyon, said: “Voluntary trustee roles are essential in setting and supporting our strategic direction and we are delighted to welcome Kathryn to the Hippodrome.  Philanthropic income is essential for the delivery of the Hippodrome’s mission and Kathryn’s expertise is warmly welcomed by the Board and staff team alike.  We are enormously grateful for the “goosebump moments” and transformative impact made possible by the generous charitable support the Hippodrome receives, and we look forward to deepening and extending these relationships over the coming years.” 

The role was appointed following an open recruitment process led by the Hippodrome Chair of the Nominations Committee & Deputy Chair of the Board, Harj Millington. The interview panel was composed of members of the Hippodrome Board, observed by the Chief Executive and Artistic Director.