Lyric Hammersmith Board announce Lisa Burger as Chair

The Lyric Hammersmith today announces that Lisa Burger, Executive Director at the National Theatre, will succeed Sir William Atkinson as Chair of its Board. Lisa will take over from Sir William Atkinson on 30 January 2018.

Lisa Burger will work closely with Lyric’s Artistic Director Sean Holmes and Executive Director Sian Alexander in achieving the organisation’s mission to produce the highest quality contemporary theatre, alongside nurturing the creativity of young people.

Sian Alexander said, ‘Lisa has been a brilliant trustee of the Lyric for the past five years and we are thrilled that she is now stepping up to become our new Chair. She shares our dual passions for bold, adventurous work and nurturing the next generation of theatre makers. We look forward to her leadership and working alongside her to realise our joint vision for the Lyric.’

Lisa Burger said, ‘The Lyric has a bold and clear vision to produce the highest quality theatre alongside nurturing the creativity of young people and developing pathways into theatre for young talent from all backgrounds. The Lyric’s work in this area is vital and inspiring and it will be a privilege, as well as a personal pleasure, to work with Sean Holmes and Sian Alexander and the Lyric’s cracking team.’

Lisa Burger took on the role of leading the National Theatre alongside Director Rufus Norris in 2015. Lisa has previously worked at the Royal Opera House and the National Gallery Company and joined the National Theatre in 2001 as Finance Director. She worked closely with Nick Hytner and Nick Starr in their Executive team as Chief Operating Officer and led on a range of strategic projects including the £80m NT Future refurbishment, feasibility work on NT Live and co-production of War Horse with the National Theatre of China. As a Director of National Theatre Productions she plays a key role in the NT’s commercial productions. She was formerly Treasurer of Shape Arts.