21 May 2025
The Roundhouse has welcomed three new Directors – Liz Wainwright, Sara Bakhaty and Amanda Cowley – as the UK’s leading independent creative powerhouse gears up to celebrate its 20th year since reopening in 2006.
Liz joins as Director of Operations and Estate, Sara as Commercial Director, and Amanda in the newly-created Director of People & Culture role.
Liz brings a host of experience from 35 years working for some of the UK’s leading arts organisations, including The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal Court and most recently as Interim Director of Operations at Sadler’s Wells, where she led on the opening of the brand-new Sadler’s Wells East venue.
She will provide strategic leadership for the safe and welcoming delivery of all activity at the Roundhouse’s iconic, Grade-II* listed building, its state-of-the-art creative centre for entrepreneurs, Roundhouse Works, and its office container building.
Sara also brings extensive senior experience from across the UK cultural landscape, most recently as Director of Marketing & Sales at the National Theatre. She will lead on commercial strategy, brand and marketing, and be responsible for driving profit generation in order to fund the Roundhouse’s vital youth programme.
Amanda steps into a newly-created Director of People and Culture role as the Roundhouse advances its engagement, support and empowerment of its staff. She is a skilled HR leader with a wide range of experience across the culture, education and charity sectors. As well as recently working as an HR consultant for varied organisations including the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Amanda has also held executive leadership roles at Capital City College and medical research charity LifeArc.
Liz Wainwright said: “I am so excited to be joining the incredible Roundhouse team, especially at this busy and inspiring time. I am looking forward to contributing to the extraordinary creative work happening both on and off stage. It is an absolute privilege to support this remarkable organisation with its iconic venue and the talent it nurtures, to help make the conditions right for creativity to flourish and business to thrive”.
Sara Bakhaty said: “With so much happening at the Roundhouse and an incredible mission to support, I know that leading the organisation’s commercial activity is going to be full of wonderful challenges and huge opportunities. I can’t wait to get started.”
Amanda Cowley said: “The Roundhouse has a history of trailblazing cultural outputs, so I’m excited to take on this new role and embed the latest HR strategies throughout the organisation. I’m honoured to support the many passionate people who work here across so many different areas and specialisations.”
Marcus Davey, CEO and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, said: “I am so pleased to be welcoming these three experienced and highly-motivated Directors to our leadership team. Liz, Amanda and Sara all bring proven track records and passion for our sector which will be invaluable in ensuring that the Roundhouse is delivering across all areas for our vibrant and varied community.”
As well as welcoming over 330,000 audience members at gigs, the Roundhouse’s thriving youth programme engages with 10,000 young people each year, providing affordable opportunities for ages 11-30 in music, media, performing arts and professional development.
The recruitment of the Director of Operations and Estate and Commercial Director roles at the Roundhouse were led by the Arts, Culture and Heritage team at GatenbySanderson. GS are the UK’s leading people advisory firm across public services, not for profit and education.