Lighthouse Poole is pleased to announce the appointment of John Baker to the senior management team as its new Head of Audiences and Communications.
John comes to Lighthouse with a wealth of experience leading marketing, communications, fundraising and box office teams in venues including the Camberley Theatre, the Churchill Theatre in Bromley (when it was part of The Ambassador Group) and, most recently, as Director of Communications at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury – UK Theatre of the Year in the 2022 Stage Awards.
With his extensive expertise in strategic marketing for venues, audience development, and managing high volume marketing and communications campaigns, as well as the management and development of ticketing and CRM systems, John will take the strategic lead for the marketing and ticket office functions.
“I am excited to be joining the Lighthouse team in the role of Head of Audiences and Communications,” says John.
“I have always admired Lighthouse as a venue and the rich and diverse programme of performances and creative activity that it offers to its audiences and communities. I am really looking forward to being part of Lighthouse’s success and encouraging new audiences to enjoy what it does.
“Having moved with my family from Kent to Dorset to take up the role, I am already enjoying the region’s fantastic cultural life and it's great to now be a part of that.”
Chief Executive Elspeth McBain adds: “I am delighted to welcome John to Lighthouse in this senior management post.
“Having relocated to this area with his family, he has made a real commitment to Lighthouse and the region. We can only achieve our aims to bring a vibrant, diverse cultural programme of nationally and internationally important artists and companies, as well as the more diverse and experimental work that we support, to the community through the work of our dedicated team.
“John’s knowledge, expertise and exemplary track record will help ensure that we continue to engage and connect with our community and beyond.”