Phoenix Dance Theatre and Unlimited Theatre today announce that Mark Hollander is confirmed as Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new Executive Director, a role he will take up in the coming months.

Mark, whose appointments include Senior Manager at Arts Council England and Executive Director of the award-winning Unlimited Theatre, has over 25 years’ experience within the arts, cultural and business sectors.

He takes over from Chris Lloyd, who has been the Company’s Interim Chief Executive officer since October 2015 following the departure of Lesley Jackson after six years at the helm. Chris Lloyd, who is also the Producer for 45-year-old Leeds-based Red Ladder Theatre Company, will conclude his leadership with Phoenix following the Company’s final Spring tour date of their current production, Triple Bill 2016, at York Theatre Royal 16 to 17 June.

Phoenix Dance Theatre is the UK’s longest standing contemporary dance company outside London and recently launched its most ambitious ever fundraising campaign Give 35 for 35 Years to ensure the company’s longevity following a series of cuts to its core funding.

Mark has previously been the lead for many Arts Council England projects including capital developments such as the Crucible Theatre Sheffield and Hull Truck Theatre. Mark has also worked with internationally renowned Trinidadian carnival-theatre writer/director Tony Hall on a Leeds theatre-carnival development project, which will stand him in good stead for the Company’s upcoming major collaboration with Leeds West Indian Carnival Carnival Ballet, due to premiere at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Autumn 2017 before touring.

Mark has implemented a range of strategic development initiatives and has worked closely with the Chief Executives, senior management teams and Boards of many organisations in support of their business development. He has also contributed to Arts Council England’s initiatives for resilience in the arts and supported the development of business plans, strategic development plans and sector positioning for many arts companies.

Phoenix Dance Theatre will continue to perform their already touring Triple Bill 2016 throughout the Autumn. Details of their Spring 2017 production will be released in September. For more information visit phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk

Unlimited Theatre is currently touring Am I Dead Yet and through 2016/17 will be developing a show in a specially designed ‘space shed’ and a performance for the streets of Leeds called Look I See You in collaboration with Slung Low.