Sir Rod Aldridge OBE has stepped down from his position as the Chair of Lowry after an 18 year career.
Throughout his tenure, Sir Aldridge OBE joined the Lowry in 2008, when the theatre was still finding its place within the community.
However, after 18 years in the position as Chair he has been able to oversee the transformation of the theatre to allow it to become one of the most visited attraction in Greater Manchester.
The theatre is now being looked on as one of the catalysts for the regeneration of Salford Quays and creation of MediaCityUK.
Following the announcement, Sir Rod Aldridge OBE said: “Serving as Chair of Lowry has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
“While I came to Lowry hoping that I could bring valuable experience and know-how, I could never have imagined what Lowry has given me in return.”
He continued: “It has been an honor to be a part of such a creative, entrepreneurial and passionate team that have such an impact on Salford, Manchester and the wider North West region.
“Lowry is, and will remain, my theatre of dreams.”
And after steering the Lowry into the future, the Chair will be stepping down from his role with theatre becoming a blueprint.
Through his time in the role he has been able to demonstrate how arts, culture and creativity can engage hard to reach communities despite unprecedented strain on arts funding.
And has allowed the theatre to become an impactful place for education, employability, volunteering, and community engagement programmes for underserved people.
His efforts have been recognised by his peers as Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of Lowry, commented: “Sir Rod Aldridge has been a pillar of support and belief in Lowry for the past 18 years.
“Through challenging times he has stood shoulder to shoulder with our team and steered us safely.
Julia continued: “He has always ensured that our community impact has remained at the heart of what we do, cultivating Lowry as a safe space for young and vulnerable people to develop skills for a brighter future.
“Lowry’s standing as the most visited attraction in the North West is in many respects a reflection of Rod’s tireless dedication to our growth over his tenure.”
The work of Sir Rod’s efforts have been greatly important, and his legacy for the theatre will be continued with the ‘Sir Rod Aldridge Trailblazer Award’.
The award has been created to give a young person from Salford, who has shown entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity and determination, a development bursary and a bespoke year-long opportunity at Lowry.
As Julia Fawcett added: “We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary contributions and the lasting legacy that they leave. The Sir Rod Aldridge Trailblazer Award will be an enduring celebration of this for years to come.”
After 18 years, Sir Rod will be succeeded by Nazir Afzal OBE, the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioners.
And as Nazir prepares for the role “The passion with which Sir Rod Aldridge advocates for the power and potential of Lowry is nothing short of inspirational and I will take that with me into how I approach this role.”
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