Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Development Trust Steps Down

Birmingham Hippodrome Development Trust is saying a fond farewell to its Chair Mark Smith after 9 years with the theatre. Mark, who is PwC's Midlands Regional Chairman and Birmingham office Senior Partner, joined the theatre's Development Trust in 2007 and was appointed Chair in 2009.

Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome's Chief Executive, said: "Mark has been an incredibly active Chair of our Development Trust, galvanising support across the city for our various projects. Through his passion for theatre and his highly respected work in the business community, Mark played a key part in raising £1 million towards our successful 2012 Stage Appeal. This major project saw the Hippodrome stage replaced after 30 years of performances, securing our future for a whole new generation of theatre-goers.

"I would like to thank Mark for his dedication and valuable fundraising advice, and I know that his continued contribution as a Trustee of the Hippodrome Theatre Trust will be of huge benefit."

Taking over the role of Development Trust Chair is Martin Guest, Managing Director of the Birmingham office of CBRE, the world's largest property consultants. Martin, who is a Chartered Surveyor, has worked in Birmingham and the Midlands for over 25 years,and has advised on some of the City's most significant new developments including Snowhill, Arena Central and Paradise. He was the founding Chairman of the Birmingham Office Market Forum, has chaired the Office Agents Society and is a local committee member of the Urban Land Institute. Martin first joined Birmingham Hippodrome Development Trust as a Trustee in 2011.