University of Nottingham’s Lakeside Arts welcomes former Tate executive as CEO

The former Director of Business Transformation at the Tate, Ben Howarth, has been appointed CEO of the University of Nottingham’s Lakeside Arts.

Lakeside is the University of Nottingham’s public arts programme, running year-round, high quality and diverse visual, performing and participatory arts. The new appointment signals an exciting new era, as Mr Howarth will shape its strategic direction and play a vital role in its future success.

I’m really excited that Ben will be joining us – his skills and experience speak for themselves. I’m looking forward to introducing him to our excellent Lakeside Arts team and seeing where his leadership takes us.
Helen Pennack, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, University of Nottingham
Mr Howarth has recently finished a two-year term at the Tate, helping the organisation to devise a new strategy in a post-Covid world. Prior to that, he spent most of his career at the BBC, latterly as Chief of Staff for BBC Radio and Music, where he carried out various senior strategy and transformation roles. He also chairs the Woolwich Works District Trust, a multi-disciplinary cultural hub within the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, where he leads on stakeholder management with the local authority, senior recruitment and financial support. 

I am very excited to be taking on this role, building on the strong foundations already in place and the fantastic location of Lakeside Arts. I’m looking forward to working with Lakeside Arts staff, the university, and the broader creative community to further unlock the obvious potential of Lakeside Arts as we seek to attract the broadest audience possible.
Ben Howarth, CEO, Lakeside Arts
The University of Nottingham looks forward to welcoming Mr Howarth when he begins his new role later this month.