Trustees
About UsTrustees
Ben Howarth, Chair
Ben works as Director of Business Transformation at Tate, helping to transform Tate’s working practices and business processes. He previously worked at the BBC for 12 years in a variety of strategy and transformation roles, including as Chief Advisor for Strategy & Digital. As Head of Strategy for BBC North he helped establish the BBC's new presence in MediaCity UK, in the North West of England. Originally from South Yorkshire he now lives in Plumstead and has lived in South East London for over 15 years.
Clive Ahmed
Clive is an experienced Human Resources professional who spent many years working at the BBC, with his last role as HR Director for the Content Division (Radio, TV and Sport). He has also worked with the BBC Orchestras and BBC Proms teams.
Cllr Denise Hyland
Cllr Denise Hyland has lived in the Royal Borough of Greenwich all her working life. Denise spent her career teaching English & Drama in the Borough’s schools, working in youth centres and adult education. She was honoured to be a BAFTA judge for two years running.
Michael Lewis
Growing up Michael was involved in every possible amateur dramatic and community theatre project possible. During secondary school his enthusiasm for theatre and the arts evolved, and as soon as he was able, Michael moved to London from the north of England in pursuit of his passion.
Sally Manser
Sally’s held prominent strategic roles in teaching, school improvement, curriculum development and partnership working between statutory education and the cultural sector for over 40 years.
Piers Nicholls
For over thirty years, Piers has led and developed Higher Education courses across the arts. Piers has led courses at various leading universities while undertaking research as a writer and critic, and developing collaborations with festivals, galleries, theatres and venues.
Ziaur Rahman
A Woolwich resident for the past decade, Ziaur is a Chartered Management Accountant with 30 years’ experience in the charity sector. He is currently Head of Finance Systems for one of the UK’s biggest charities and specialises in systems, processes and projects. He also spent 11 years as a British Army Reservist.
Mary Rose
Mary's CEO of music charity NEKO Trust which provides training, platforms and pathways into the live events industry. She grew up in South East London and has lived locally in Blackheath for more than 20 years.
Joy Salaja
Joy’s from Ireland but moved to the Woolwich area in June 2017 for work and love. She’s a chartered accountant with multinational experience and she’s been involved in process improvement projects and process re-engineering.
Cllr Jackie Smith
Jackie represents the Woolwich Arsenal Ward and has been an elected Councillor for the Royal Borough of Greenwich since 2002. Jackie is currently a Board member for Tramshed, and has had Director positions for Greenwich Theatre, Greenwich Leisure Limited and Chair of Trust Thamesmead.
Cllr Dave Sullivan
Dave Sullivan is a Greenwich Councillor and a former Leader and Executive Mayor of Lewisham. He brings 40 years’ experience of local government, regeneration and eclectic arts leadership and believes the creative industries are vital for the creation of jobs and opportunities for local people.
Philip Watkins
Philip’s a senior partner in the corporate law practice at international law firm Withers. He practises corporate and commercial law, with emphasis on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, strategic investments and joint ventures.