Who we are
Introducing our Patron, our leadership team and our board of governors and trustees
Our Patron
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh became our Patron in March 2025. The patronage of the Southbank Centre was previously held by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His Royal Highness is passionate about the arts and gives much of his time to organisations that enable young people to develop their skills through theatre and music.
Our Executive Leadership Team
Elaine Bedell
Chief Executive
Our first ever female Chief Executive, Elaine heads up all we do as an arts venue, ensuring we continue to provide 45% of our events for free. Previously, Elaine enjoyed a 25-year career in the media, working in senior roles at the BBC and ITV.
Mark Ball
Artistic Director
Responsible for the delivery of our entire artistic programme, Mark works with our Artistic and Creative Engagement teams and extensive creative networks to produce a dynamic and world class programme at the heart of London.
Heather Clark Charrington
Director of Audiences
Katy Dent
Director of People & Culture
Susan Johnston
Chief Operating Officer
Amy Ross
Director of Development
Our Board of Governors
Misan Harriman
Chair
Misan Harriman is a photographer, creative director and cultural commentator, and is the first Black person in the history of British Vogue to shoot the cover of its September issue.
Special advisers
Our artists
Introducing our Resident and Associate Artists, Orchestras and Organisations.
How we work
The values we hold dearest are best encapsulated in our colleagues.
Work with us
Be a part of what we do. Discover your perfect role in our engine of creativity.
Our impact
See how we’re fostering creativity and changing people’s lives for the better.