Fuel Announces Board and Staff Team Changes

Artistic Director & CEO, Kate McGrath, who was recently awarded an OBE for services to the arts, has today announced a series of changes to Fuel’s Board of Trustees and staff team.

After 14 years as Chair and subsequently Co-Chair, Sean Egan will be stepping down from the Board. He will be succeeded by Lilli Geissendorfer as Chair, with Shail Thaker taking up the newly created role of Vice Chair.

Fuel would like to extend its deepest thanks to Sean for his extraordinary contribution to the company over the past 14 years. During his tenure, Sean helped steer Fuel through significant moments of change and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting the continued growth of the organisation’s artistic programme and evolution of its business model. In recognition of his exceptional service, Sean will continue his association with Fuel in the honorary role of Founding Chair.

Lilli Geissendorfer, who has served as Co-Chair alongside Sean since December 2023, will now assume the role of Chair. She will work closely with Shail Thaker, who steps up from Trustee to Vice Chair.

Later this year, Joe Hallgarten will step down as a Trustee after 13 years of dedicated service. Professor Emma Smith will join the Board as a new Trustee.

Alongside these governance changes, Fuel is also announcing a number of developments within its staff team. Luke Holbrook has been promoted from Senior Producer to Head of Programme, while Marina Sacco has been promoted from Senior Engagement Producer to Head of Audience Development. Caroline Jones joins Fuel as Executive Director (maternity cover), and Jemima Unsworth takes up the role of Senior Development Manager.

Kate McGrath said:

“It’s hard to find the words to thank Sean for his contribution to Fuel, but I can say with absolute certainty that we would not be the company we are today without the time, expertise and wisdom he has given us all, so generously, over many years. I have personally benefited enormously from his counsel and support. It has been a privilege as CEO to work with Sean as Chair of our Board.

I must also thank Joe Hallgarten for his 13 years of service to the Board – he has been a hugely valued critical friend and advocate for Fuel, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience.

I am thrilled that Lilli and Shail have agreed to step into the roles of Chair and Vice Chair, and that Emma Smith will be joining as a Trustee. I offer my congratulations to Luke and Marina who richly deserve their promotions and I extend a very warm welcome to both Caroline and Jemima as they join the team. I am looking forward to working with them all in the coming months and years.”