Factory International has announced that Paula Stringer will become its new Chief Operating Officer.
Stringer joins the organisation behind Manchester International Festival and the landmark arts venue Aviva Studios, bringing extensive leadership experience across broadcasting, live events and the charity sector.
She currently serves as Director of Business at BBC News, where she leads global business and production teams across a 24/7 operation. Her previous roles include Chief Executive of Christians Against Poverty and senior operational positions at the BBC, including Controller of Production for BBC Sport.
Based in Manchester for nearly three decades, Stringer has longstanding ties to the city and a strong belief in the role culture plays in shaping communities.
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, said: ‘I am delighted to be welcoming Paula Stringer to the new role of Chief Operating Officer at Factory International. With a wealth of experience delivering extraordinary content in high pressure environments, and leadership experience including true social purpose, she has an ideal combination of the values and knowledge we need as we enter the next stage of our development.’
Paula Stringer said: “I am thrilled to be joining Factory International as Chief Operating Officer. Factory International is a really special organisation — ambitious, creative and rooted in the North, with an influence and reputation that reaches far beyond it. The work it makes possible really matters, both culturally and socially, and is something that matters to me.
“I’m northern born and bred and have spent the last three decades working in and around Manchester. Across that time — in broadcasting, charity and creative organisations — my work has focused on helping complex, creative environments deliver big ambitions with sustainability and with care. The chance to bring all of that experience together in a place that means a lot to me personally is an amazing opportunity.
“Most of all, I’m looking forward to working with the people at Factory International. The talent, commitment and creativity of the teams is clear, and I’m excited to listen, learn and work together to support brilliant work now and into the future.”
Moira Sinclair, Chair of the Board at Factory International, said: “Factory International delivers a heady mix of a locally connected and nationally significant cultural offering, a venue, a festival and a programme to bring artists together, create opportunity and platform a wide range of voices and stories. To deliver such an ambitious vision, we also need a leadership team with passion, expertise and an understanding of our city and so I am delighted that Paula is joining us. She has a wealth of experience and passion for Manchester that will be invaluable to the organisation.”
Rebecca Ball, Area Director North at Arts Council England, said: “We‘re delighted to hear that Paula will be joining Factory International as Chief Operating Officer. She brings extensive experience in leadership roles across different sectors and we’re looking forward to working with her as the organisation continues to implement its ambitious creative plans.”
Dave Moutry, Director of Culture and Creative Industries at Manchester City Council, added: “I am delighted with the appointment of Paula Stringer to this vital role at the heart of Factory International’s leadership team. Paula brings substantial knowledge, experience and skills to the organisation and I know that she will be a great asset to both Factory International and the wider cultural ecology in the city.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
