Sheffield Theaters names new chair | Changing faces

JULIE KENNY will join Sheffield Theaters as its new chairman in July.

An entrepreneur based in South Yorkshire, Kenny founded Pyronix Limited, a security alarm business, in 1986, which he sold in 2016.

She is Non-Executive Chairman of Robson Handling Technology Limited and Non-Executive Director of AESSEALS Limited and SBD Group Limited. She is also the chair of two national committees dealing with security, resilience and growth for the Defense Security Sector and Tech UK.

Kenny is also Chairman of the Maltby Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust comprising seven schools, and Chairman of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.

Since 2005 she has been Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire and in 2023/24 became Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.

TOM BIRDchief executive of Sheffield Theatres, said: “This wonderful organization deserves an exceptional chair and in Julie, we have found that.

“She brings with her a perfect combination of a love of the arts, a passionate commitment to serving the people of South Yorkshire, extensive experience of working with local and national government and an unrivaled business acumen.”

Kenny added: “I am delighted to become Chairman of the Sheffield Theaters Board.

“Sheffield Theaters is a force, nationally and locally. A leader in British theatre, renowned for extraordinary work, the theaters are a jewel in the city’s crown and cherished by so many in our region.”