Lesley Jackson to join Jazz North as Executive Director in September 2015

(Press release)

Jazz North is pleased to announce the appointment of Lesley Jackson as Executive Director from September 2015. This is a new position for Jazz North, the Northern jazz development agency established in 2012, as it changes from being a project funded organisation to become an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).

As Executive Director, Lesley will provide strategic leadership and ensure delivery of Jazz North’s 5 year Business Plan. The Executive Director will take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of Jazz North’s fundraising, business development, finances, communications, HR, organisational management and legal compliance.

Lesley will be joining Jazz North from her current position as Executive Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds where she played a key role in establishing the organisation as one of the leading contemporary dance companies in the UK today and overseeing its part in the capital development of the new home it shares with Northern Ballet.

Lesley says  “It has been a privilege to be a part of Phoenix Dance Theatre for the last six years. Dance and music are so closely related and I am delighted to be joining Jazz North at such a defining moment. I am looking forward to working with Nigel, Steve and the rest of the team to help Jazz North achieve its full potential."