NT Chair extends term to provide stability for leadership change

DAMON BUFFINI will continue his term as Chair of the National Theatre until mid-2027, the venue has announced.

Philanthropist Dame MARIT MOHN will also join the board, where she will be responsible for supporting the National Theatre’s learning programme. Further appointments will be announced later in the year.  

Buffini joined the National Theatre as Chair in 2016 and, at the request of the board, has agreed to extend his tenure until mid-2027 to ensure “a successful leadership transition” between current Director RUFUS NORRIS, who leaves in spring 2025, and INDHU RUBASINGHAM who will take the helm.

The National Theatre said retaining Buffini would provide "valuable stability, continuity and depth of knowledge," ensuring that the theatre "remains thriving and vital for the nation" during a period of leadership change and as the venue undertakes its ambitious fundraising campaign – Stories Start Here.

A founding partner of private equity firm Permira, Buffini is also the BBC's Deputy Chair. In 2020, he was appointed Chair of the £2bn Culture Recovery Fund and has served on many other boards, including Hugo Boss AG, the Wellcome Trust, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Schroders PLC.

A long-term supporter of the National Theatre, Mohn is co-founder of the Mohn Westlake Foundation. She has donated over £100m to causes across the arts, science, culture and education, including nearly £7 million to the Royal Opera House and funding for the Rose Theatre in Kingston.

Buffini said: “The National Theatre is a creative powerhouse that attracts world-leading talent to create unforgettable theatre. After a period of economic hardship post-Covid, the organisation is embarking on an ambitious five-year strategic plan that will ensure it thrives for generations to come.

"I am pleased to be remaining as Chair to oversee and support the leadership transition from Rufus to Indhu and Kate next year, who I am confident will lead the National Theatre to great success.

"I am delighted to welcome Marit to join the Board of Trustees. Her belief in ensuring young people have access to opportunities they otherwise would not have had, through education and performing arts, sits at the core of the National Theatre’s mission. Her expertise in this area will be invaluable as the NT aims to reach every young person in the UK before they leave school."