The Culture Trust Luton has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, who was named earlier this year by The Stage as one of the 100 most influential people in UK theatre.
Amy Belson is set to take up the role in May 2026, but she currently executive director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, a position she has held since 2021. She brings extensive experience from across the UK theatre and arts sector, having previously worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Soho Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
Ms Belson, from Leighton Buzzard, will replace current chief executive, Marie Kirbyshaw, who is stepping down after nearly a decade in charge following a period of major development and change for the organisation.
As new CEO, part of Ms Belson’s role will be to lead major projects such as the development of the Stockwood Park Discovery Centre Museum and the Hat District heritage expansion.
Ms Belson said: “I am delighted to be joining Culture Trust Luton as Chief Executive. As a local resident, I have experienced first-hand the Trust’s transformative and creative work.
“I believe wholeheartedly in the vital role culture plays in connecting communities and look forward to building on the Trust’s success, to ensure creativity remains the beating heart of Luton.”
The Trust said Ms Belson is recognised as a senior cultural leader whose work focuses on inclusive participation, civic engagement and the long-term sustainability of cultural organisations.
At The Lyric, alongside Artistic Director and co-CEO Rachel O’Riordan, Ms Belson had overseen major productions at the theatre, such as Iphigenia in Splott, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Schools Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, FANGIRLS and Sing Street.
Ms O’Riordan said of her departure from the Hammersmith theatre: “Since Amy became Executive Director in 2021, the Lyric has been on an incredible journey: a period that saw us come out of the pandemic to sold out shows and West End transfers, a strengthening of our work with emerging artists and young people, deeper connections with our local community and stakeholders and a 130th birthday year that celebrated our legacy as the creative heart of Hammersmith. Amy is a leader with initiative, courage and flair. She’s an exceptional partner who shows creativity, compassion and determination, and she will be sorely missed by all of us here.”
Ms Belson is also a leading member of the Hammersmith and Fulham Cultural Compact and chair of the Creative Pathways Partnership, where she works closely with artists, communities and partner organisations on strategic place-based projects.
She is also a trustee of Gloucester Culture Trust and last year jointly won the West London Women in Business Award.
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