Sir Rod Aldridge OBE steps down as Chair of Lowry after 18 year tenure
Sir Rod Aldridge OBE, steps down as Chair of Lowry, the flagship arts venue in the North of England, after an 18 year tenure.
When Sir Rod Aldridge joined Lowry in 2008 it was an organisation still finding its place in the Salford community and its role in the arts and culture landscape. Now Lowry is thriving, standing as a magnetic cultural destination, central to the regeneration of Salford Quays and the most visited attraction in Greater Manchester. It was a catalyst for the incredible regeneration of Salford Quays and creation of MediaCityUK.
Even more remarkable, are the impactful education, employability, volunteering, and community engagement programmes for underserved people across Greater Manchester at its core, which contribute £22.4m in measurable social value while receiving just 6% public funding.
Thanks in large part to Sir Rod’s stewardship, Lowry stands as a blueprint for how arts, culture and creativity can engage hard to reach communities despite unprecedented strain on arts funding.
To honor Sir Rod's legacy and dedication to increasing opportunities for young people, an award has been created in his name that will be given annually to a young person from Salford who has shown incredible leadership and creativity, as well as entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity and determination.
The young person will receive a development bursary and a bespoke, year-long opportunity at Lowry, helping them to achieve their goals by removing barriers and offering a bespoke support package. This may include mentoring, training, leadership input and the opportunity to become a Peer Leader; supporting other young people and putting leadership into practice. It will be a life-changing opportunity.
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of Lowry, commented:
“Sir Rod Aldridge has been a pillar of support and belief in Lowry for the past 18 years. Through challenging times he has stood shoulder to shoulder with our team and steered us safely.
“He has always ensured that our community impact has remained at the heart of what we do, cultivating Lowry as a safe space for young and vulnerable people to develop skills for a brighter future. Lowry’s standing as the most visited attraction in the North West is in many respects a reflection of Rod’s tireless dedication to our growth over his tenure.
“We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary contributions and the lasting legacy that they leave. The Sir Rod Aldridge Trailblazer Award will be an enduring celebration of this for years to come.”
Sir Rod is the founder of the breakthrough British business, Capita; the founder of the Aldridge Foundation, an educational charity which sponsors academy schools in England and promotes entrepreneurial education; as well as a patron and former trustee of the Prince’s Trust, King Charles’ charity to help vulnerable young people get their lives on track.
Upon stepping down from his role as Chair, Sir Rod will continue to champion young people nationwide through arts, sport and education. This will be through the work of the Aldridge Foundation, and the 12 academies he has created in challenging communities, in the North West, London and the South East.
Speaking of his departure, Sir Rod Aldridge OBE said:
“Serving as Chair of Lowry has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. While I came to Lowry hoping that I could bring valuable experience and know-how, I could never have imagined what Lowry has given me in return.
“It has been an honor to be a part of such a creative, entrepreneurial and passionate team that have such an impact on Salford, Manchester and the wider North West region. I’m especially proud of Lowry’s community outreach programmes - empowering young people and underserved communities with the confidence and skills they need to thrive. The team make local people of all ages feel like they are a part of the Lowry family - myself included.
“I will continue to advocate for other business leaders to embrace the opportunities and fulfillment offered by a Chair position in the arts and culture sector. Lowry is, and will remain, my theatre of dreams.”
Nazir Afzal OBE, the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioners, will be taking on the role from Sir Rod this month.
Nazir Afzal OBE, the incoming Chair of Lowry, said:
“The passion with which Sir Rod Aldridge advocates for the power and potential of Lowry is nothing short of inspirational and I will take that with me into how I approach this role. The respect with which he is held at Lowry is a testament to his impact and the legacy he will leave.”