Tom Bird to leave YTR next year, to join Sheffield Theatre as Chief Executive

After 5 years as Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal, Tom Bird today (05 Dec) announced he will be leaving in early 2023 to join Sheffield Theatres. Tom will join the senior team of Sheffield Theatres as Chief Executive.

Since 2017 Tom Bird has been Chief Executive at York Theatre Royal, where he has overseen the first ever visit of Kyiv City Ballet to the UK; The Travelling Pantomime, a pantomime in every neighbourhood of York; and our first co-production with the National Theatre, Wise Children’s Wuthering Heights.

Ann M Green CBE, Chair of York Theatre Royal, said:

“Having brought a new lease of life to York Theatre Royal, Tom became a champion of cultural life in York over the five years he has been in post. We have much to thank him for and we all wish him all the very best in his new role at Sheffield Theatres.”

On his appointment Tom Bird, said:

“I am totally thrilled to be joining Sheffield Theatres as Chief Executive. For many years, I’ve admired these daring and beautiful theatres, and the wonderful city they’re at the heart of. I can’t wait to work with Rob, Bookey and the whole of Sheffield’s exceptional team. 

York Theatre Royal has been such a special part of my life. I’m enormously grateful to everyone at this outstanding theatre, and the wider community, for their support over the last 5 years.” 

Robert Hastie, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, said:

“Tom Bird joining Sheffield Theatres as Chief Executive is great news. He brings a wealth of experience, most recently with our fellow Yorkshire theatre, York Theatre Royal, where he has led with ambition and aplomb. I can’t wait to work alongside him in Sheffield.”

Read more on the appointment from Sheffield Theatres  here.

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