Biography

Mary Allen

After an early career as an actress, Mary took on a variety of non-executive, trustee and advisory roles in the not-for-profit arts sector, before becoming Director of Waterman’s Arts Centre. She moved to the Arts Council of England in 1992, becoming the Secretary-General in 1994. In 1997 she was appointed Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House. Mary has written for The Times, The Economist and The Spectator, and broadcasts for the BBC. She was Chairman of Breast Cancer Campaign, and is now Chairman of the HighTide Drama and Film Festival. Mary specialises in coaching people working in charities, the public and private sector.