Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of the National Theatre, announced today that Amanda Pritchard is to join the National Theatre Board.
Amanda, who is chief executive of the NHS in England, will join the National Theatre Board from October.
The National Theatre is an organisation which I have long admired, and to have the opportunity to join the Board is a great honour alongside my NHS role. It feels such an exciting time to join the National Theatre as it celebrates the milestone of its 60th anniversary and I am delighted to be playing a part in helping the organisation as it continues to entertain audiences and inspire creativity across the country.
Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive, NHS England
Amanda has worked in the NHS for twenty-five years, joining through its graduate management training scheme in 1997. Before joining NHS England, she was the chief executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, one of the country’s biggest NHS Trusts.
Speaking about Amanda’s appointment, Damon Buffini said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Amanda to the National Theatre Board. As an exceptional leader of a vital national institution, I know that the National Theatre will benefit hugely from her significant leadership expertise. The NHS exists to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation and we know from numerous studies that culture and the arts have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and can have multiple health benefits. As we look forward to staging Tim Price’s new play Nye next year, directed by Rufus Norris, which celebrates the life of the NHS’ founder Nye Bevan, as well as the NHS’ 75th anniversary, I’m excited to welcome Amanda as part of the team and I look forward to what we will achieve together.”