Fuel Theatre Appoints New Board Chair and Promotes Staff

Broadway + NYC

Broadway

Off-Broadway

Off-Off Broadway

Cabaret

Dance

Opera

Classical Music

West End / UK

International

Canada

Australia / New Zealand

Europe

Asia

Latin America

Africa / Middle East

Entertainment

Ctrl + K to open · Esc to close

Lilli Geissendorfer takes over as chair as Sean Egan steps down after 14 years in the role.

Most Popular

Get all the top news & discounts for UK & beyond.

Artistic Director & CEO, Kate McGrath , who was recently awarded an OBE for her services to the arts, has announced a series of changes to Fuel's Board of Trustees and staff team.

Get all the top news & discounts for UK & beyond.

After 14 years as Chair and subsequently Co-Chair, Sean Egan will be stepping down from the Board. He will be replaced by Lilli Geissendorfer in the role of Chair and Shail Thaker in the new role of Vice Chair. Kate and the whole team at Fuel would like to thank Sean for his extraordinary contribution over the last 14 years to the company, from navigating the complexities and challenges of the pandemic to overseeing significant growth and change in Fuel's artistic programme and business model. In recognition of this very significant contribution, Fuel will be recognising Sean formally going forwards in the honorary position of Founding Chair. Lilli Geissendorfer, who has been Co-Chair with Sean since December 2023, will now assume the role of Chair and will work alongside Shail Thaker who steps up from Trustee to Vice Chair. Later in the year, Joe Hallgarten will step down as a Trustee after 13 years in post. Professor Emma Smith will also join the Board as a new Trustee.

In the staff team, Luke Holbrook has been promoted from Senior Producer to Head of Programme and Marina Sacco has also stepped up from Senior Engagement Producer to Head of Audience Development. Caroline Jones joins the team as Executive Director (maternity cover) and Jemima Unsworth will become the new Senior Development Manager.

Kate McGrath said: “It's hard to find the words to thank Sean for his contribution to Fuel, but I can say with absolute certainty that we would not be the company we are today without the time, expertise and wisdom he has given us all, so generously, over many years. I have personally benefited enormously from his counsel and support. It has been a privilege as CEO to work with Sean as Chair of our Board. I must also thank Joe Hallgarten for his 13 years of service to the Board - he has been a hugely valued critical friend and advocate for Fuel, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience. I am thrilled that Lilli and Shail have agreed to step into the roles of Chair and Vice Chair, and that Emma Smith will be joining as a Trustee. I offer my congratulations to Luke and Marina who richly deserve their promotions and I extend a very warm welcome to both Caroline and Jemima as they join the team. I am looking forward to working with them all in the coming months and years.”

Tickets Sales to SUNDAY IN THE PARK With Ariana Grande & Jonathan Bailey Delayed

Al Pacino Receives 2026 Sam Wanamaker Award

Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Shakespeare's Globe

Photos: Ramin Karimloo and Meow Meow Star In SWEENEY TODD, Now In Rehearsal at Birmingham Rep

Get an Alert Each Time Stephi Wild Writes

BroadwayWorld TV

Recommended For You

Sign up for announcements and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows!

© 2026 — Copyright Wisdom Digital Media , all rights reserved. Privacy Policy

_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Fuel-Theatre-Reveals-New-Board-Chair-and-Staff-Promotions-20260623)._