Member Article

New Tyneside Cinema Chief Exec looks to build on Mark Dobson's vision

Thomas Peutz has been named as the new Chief Executive the Tyneside Cinema, based in Newcastle city centre.

The Dutchman, who has commissioned and created over 250 international cultural programmes, is replacing Mark Dobson who will leave to assume the role of Executive Director at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.

Originally from the Netherlands, Thomas was a Sloan Fellow at London Business School, graduating with a Masters in Leadership and Strategy. He also has an MA in Art History from the VU University of Amsterdam.

As founding director of SMART Project Space, Foundation for Contemporary Art in Amsterdam. Under his leadership it grew to become one of the leading international institutes for contemporary artistic practice and research in The Netherlands, as well as winning Time Out’s Best Art Space for two years.

Thomas said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at the much loved and respected Tyneside Cinema. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity and I look forward to building on the vision Mark Dobson and the team developed over the past ten years”.

Lucy Armstrong, chair of the trustees of Tyneside Cinema, added: “The trustees have made a bold and exciting appointment. We are proud that we have been able to attract someone with such exceptional experience and talent here to the North East.

“Thomas identified an irresistible opportunity to lead an organisation that is at the heart of the cultural life of the city, with a growing national reputation for imaginative work.”