The Place appoints Cathy Guest as new Chief Financial Officer

The Place is delighted to welcome Cathy Guest as the new Chief Financial Officer.

Cathy is a chartered accountant with a wealth of senior leadership experience from across the charity sector, with deep expertise in strategic financial planning, governance, business partnering and organisational transformation.

Most recently at Crisis UK, she led finance, property and facilities across a complex, multi-site organisation, delivering significant transformation and bringing valuable experience in capital projects and infrastructure investment.

Alongside her impressive professional achievements, Cathy holds a PhD from the University of Southampton in female entrepreneurship, and has a longstanding personal connection to, and passion for, dance — making her a wonderful fit for our mission to create a world with more dance.

Clare Connor, Chief Executive of The Place, says:
“We are thrilled to welcome Cathy to The Place at such an exciting point in our journey. Her breadth of experience, strategic insight and deep understanding of the charity sector will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our organisation and champion the future of dance. Just as importantly, Cathy brings a genuine passion for our artform and mission, and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”

Professor Roni Brown, Chair of the Board of Governors of The Place, says:
“Cathy brings strategic insight, a values-led approach and a thoughtful curiosity which make her an exceptional addition to The Place. I’m delighted to welcome her to The Place.”

We are also pleased to welcome John Middleton as Interim Chief Financial Officer. John previously worked with The Place almost nine years ago and brings extensive experience from across the cultural sector, including roles at the Design Council and, most recently, the Young Vic. He will support The Place from 1 June to 31 August.