Cambridge Arts Theatre have announced that Ian Mather will succeed Baroness Cohen of Pimlico as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arts Theatre Trust, the charitable body that runs the theatre.

It was founded in 1936 by John Maynard Keynes. A charity with a mission to inspire and nurture a lifelong love of the performing arts, it sees around 150,000 visitors every year from Cambridge and the surrounding region. It presents on average 45 week-long productions of world class theatre from companies such The National Theatre, Cheek by Jowl, Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Shakespeare’s Globe with many productions playing pre or post-West End.

Mather has been a trustee since March 2010 and currently serves as deputy chairman. Baroness Cohen has held the position of chairman since September 2007, and will be staying on in the position of Honorary President to act as an ambassador and fundraiser for the Theatre.

‘I am so incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to lead this wonderful theatre for the last 8 years through what has been a period of great change in its 80 year history’, she said. ‘The Theatre goes from strength to strength under the watchful eye of its Chief Executive Dave Murphy and his staff, and I think that Cambridge is very lucky to have such a cultural gem in its midst. It has been an honour to be a part of its journey.’

Mather, her successor, said ‘Janet Cohen has been an outstanding chairman, both through her tireless efforts in steering the Board of Trustees and Executive Team and through her, and her husband Jim’s generous financial support over the years. The Arts Theatre’s artistic success and sound financial management is due in no small part to Janet’s focus and tenacity and I look forward to stepping up to the challenge of leading this vibrant arts organisation as her successor.’

Commenting on the change in leadership, Dave Murphy, Chief Executive, said ‘Janet has been an inspirational chairman and generous supporter of our Theatre. We cannot thank her enough for all she has done. [T]hrough his shrewd judgement, extensive business experience and love of the performing arts, [Ian] is well placed to steer us through the next exciting stage of our plans for the Theatre.’