Ikon is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Green CBE as Chair of the gallery's Board of Trustees.
Martin Green is Director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union, overseeing the world’s biggest music show. He was previously Head of Ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and Chief Creative Officer of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. In 2023 for the BBC he led the BAFTA-winning Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine.
Martin has a wealth of experience leading world class organisations in the cultural and entertainment landscape. He was previously Chair of Middle Child Theatre Company. His work brings together local communities, their stories and artists through collaborations with international producers and creatives. He was an advisor to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and has engaged and advised cultural organisations and governments around the globe.
Martin Green CBE, Ikon Chair of Trustees and Director, Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“I’m honoured to be joining Ikon, a world class contemporary arts institution, at a time when the role of culture in our society has never been more important. Following my time as Chief Creative Officer of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, this role solidifies my relationship with this great creative city. I look forward to supporting the brilliant team as they enter an exciting new chapter.”
Martin Green takes over from Lee Brocklehurst (Trustee and Interim Chair), Accountant, Quantuma Advisory LLP, and Ikon’s previous Chair, Professor Helen Higson OBE DL, 50th Anniversary Professor of Higher Education Learning and Management at Aston University, who held the position for 3 years. Professor Higson remains closely associated with Ikon and we thank her for her enormous contribution and dedication to the gallery, having been a Trustee for over a decade.
Ian Hyde, Chief Executive Officer, Melanie Pocock, Artistic Director (Exhibitions) and Linzi Stauvers, Artistic Director (Education), said:
“During the Commonwealth Games, we worked closely with Martin and the Birmingham 2022 Festival to bring to life Hew Locke’s artwork Foreign Exchange in Victoria Square. We’re looking forward to an ambitious future with Martin and our Board, ensuring Ikon’s impact in the years ahead is felt in communities across Birmingham and beyond.”
Harminder Randhawa, Ikon Trustee, Accountant Jaguar Land Rover, said:
“As the lead trustee searching for our new Chair, I’m delighted with the outcome of our search and can’t wait to work with Martin and our fellow Trustees on the future strategy of Ikon alongside our established leadership team.”
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director, Arts Council England, said:
“We’re pleased to welcome Martin Green CBE as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Ikon. Martin has an international reputation for delivering world-class, large-scale sporting and cultural events. His extensive experience, in the sector and beyond, will provide a huge asset to Ikon, which has a strong reputation for presenting work that encourages participation and debate on key social issues. I’d also like to thank Lee Brocklehurst for his excellent work in supporting the gallery as Interim Chair over the past 12 months.”
Ikon’s full Board of Trustees:
- Chair: Martin Green CBE, Director, Eurovision Song Contest
- Lee Brocklehurst, Accountant, Quantuma Advisory LLP
- Rachel Chiu, Head of Business Development, Spring Housing Association
- Samuel Jones, Head of Strategy and Governance, Tate
- James Leo, Solicitor & Partner, The Wilkes Partnership LLP
- Harminder Randhawa, Accountant, Jaguar Land Rover
- Sandeep Shambi, Architect & Partner, Howells
- Nick Smith, CEO, Elonex
- Liam Smyth, Project Implementation Manager, The UK National Commission for UNESCO Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Birmingham City Council
