Alison Newton appointed as new Chair of Board of Trustees

Alison joined our Board in June and formally took over as Chair in September, succeeding Alex Reedijk. We’re incredibly grateful to Alex for his steady leadership throughout our seven-year redevelopment. Guiding the organisation through such a transformative project — especially during a time of significant external challenges — has been no small task, and we deeply appreciate his dedication and hard work.

Alison is a recently-retired, Glasgow-based commercial real estate lawyer, and she brings with her a long-standing passion for the arts. From 2017 to 2025, she was Partner and Co-Head of the Real Estate Sector (UK and International) at the global law firm Addleshaw Goddard. She’s also held senior roles at HBJ Gately and McGrigors.

Beyond her professional work, Alison has made a real impact through a number of non-executive board and trustee roles, including with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Centre for Cities. She was also a member of court at the University of Dundee from 2002–2008 and supported fundraising efforts through the Women of Influence Charity Board for Action for Children.

We’re especially excited to welcome Alison at this pivotal moment in our journey, as we embrace our next chapter in a beautifully redeveloped theatre that’s once again open to the public. Her expertise, insight, and leadership will be invaluable as we look to deepen our impact within our local communities and grow our contribution to theatre across Scotland and the UK.

Executive Director, Kate Denby, commented:
“We are really looking forward to working with Alison as our new Chair. She brings fresh insights and bold leadership that match the Citz’s ambitious plans for the future. As proud custodians of this thoughtfully redeveloped theatre, we want to positively impact the lives of the communities around us and maximise our contribution to the Scottish and UK theatre sectors more broadly. Alison’s counsel through this next phase will be invaluable.”

Vice Chair, John McElwee, adds:
“We are delighted to welcome Alison to the Board and as Chair of the Citizens Theatre. She brings incredible experience both professionally and in her non-executive positions, which demonstrate her passion for both the arts and for making a difference in people’s lives.”

Alison Newton said:
“I am both delighted and excited to take up this role but don’t underestimate the challenges of chairing  such a national institution which is so important to Glasgow and so loved by generations.”