Citizens Theatre appoints new Executive Director / Joint CEO

The Citizens Theatre has announced that Alex McGowan has been appointed as the new Executive Director to work alongside Artistic Director Dominic Hill as joint Chief Executive from 2019.

Alex has been Executive Director and joint Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in Edinburgh for the last eight years. During that time he has worked closely with Artistic Directors Mark Thomson, until 2015, and David Greig since 2016 to lead significant change in the company and support the expansion of the artistic programme.

Born in Scotland, but raised in South Africa, Alex has 25 years’ experience gained throughout the UK in theatres ranging from the Macrobert in Stirling and Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne to the Young Vic and Unicorn Theatres in London. From 2012-2018 Alex was Chair of the Federation of Scottish Theatres.

On announcing the news, Chair of the Board, April Chamberlain said:

“Alex’s skills and reputation as a leader in his field and his passion for theatre in Scotland will bring a wealth of experience to the role. I look forward to him guiding the Citizens Theatre into a new era alongside the artistic leadership of Dominic Hill as we look towards our new theatre building re-opening in 2020.”

Artistic Director, Dominic Hill said:

“I am looking forward to working closely with Alex as Joint Chief Executive of the Citizens Theatre. We have co-produced shows with the Lyceum for many years and have a strong working relationship with what is often regarded as our sister theatre in Edinburgh. Alex’s time there and his previous experience outwith Scotland will bring the expertise and scale of ambition we need to continue to present world-class work in Glasgow and across Scotland.”

Alex McGowan said:

“I am really looking forward to joining the Citizens Theatre at this vital stage in its history. The opportunity to join Dominic Hill and the team at the Citz and support a period of massive change and development for the company – including a major capital project which will secure the future of this iconic Scottish theatre – is a really exciting prospect. I’m hugely proud of everything we’ve achieved at The Lyceum over the last eight years and thrilled to continue having a leadership role in Scottish theatre, which is very close to my heart.”