Mayor’s New Cultural Leadership Board announced

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today confirmed the members of his Mayoral Cultural Leadership Board for 2025-28.

The Mayor has appointed 20 individuals to help steer the delivery of his cultural priorities, shape his culture strategy and advise on key issues facing the creative industries. 

The board brings together members with a range of skills and expertise from music and games to education, cultural infrastructure and health. It will be co-chaired by cultural and creative industries consultant, Amanda Parker, who was previously Vice Chair, and Tom Sleigh, former chair of the Barbican. It includes 12 new board members. London Councils is represented by the leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Anthony Okereke. The board is appointed every four years.

 

Sadiq is committed to increasing access to culture and supporting and celebrating the capital’s culture and creative industries, which bring £51.7bn to the economy each year and account for one in five jobs. They are a key part of the Mayor’s London Growth Plan, which is designed to kickstart productivity and boost the economy. His London Plan has helped to protect venues, his 12 Creative Enterprise Zones will deliver 71,000 sqm of affordable creative workspace by 2026, and his London Borough of Culture has brought culture to people’s doorsteps reaching more than three million people and providing more than 26,000 opportunities for young people to date.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to announce the members of my Cultural Leadership Board. The board brings together an invaluable range of knowledge and experience. Culture is a key part of London’s success, and we will continue to do all we can to increase access to culture and support artists, venues and workspaces as we build a better London for everyone.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “London’s culture and creative industries are truly world-class and are a key part of making our capital the greatest city in the world. At the heart of the success is the leadership and talent of our creative community, and that’s why it’s so important that we work closely with them to guide our work. Together the board brings with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion and I look forward to working with them to maintain our position on the world stage and showcase our commitment to all aspects of our cultural ecosystem.”

Amanda Parker, Cultural and Creative and Industries Consultant,  said: “I’m delighted to return to the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board as co-Chair. The convening of this group of innovators, connectors and inspiring leaders excites me: the breadth and diversity of experience represented by its members is indicative of the range and richness of London’s own cultural offer. I know I speak on behalf of the group when I say we’re thrilled to add our expertise to London’s economic and social growth, informing and supporting the Mayor’s Culture Strategy to harness and catalyse creativity across all London boroughs.”

Tom Sleigh, Chair of Council at Goldsmiths, University of London, a leading creative university, and former Chair of the Barbican Arts Centre, said: “London’s cultural heartbeat is the rhythm of its people—diverse, dynamic, and daring. As co-chair of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board, I am committed to amplifying voices from every corner of our city and supporting the Mayor’s Culture Strategy. Together, we’ll ensure our cultural policies reflect our rich heritage and inspire innovation and inclusivity for generations to come.”

The board represents a wide variety of expertise including sustainability and environment, place-making and regeneration, health and wellbeing, heritage and museums, London at night, and AI and future technologies.

The full list of the Mayoral Cultural Leadership Board for 2025-28 is:

Sade Banks-Tubi, CEO, The What If Experiment    

Eliza Easton, Founder, Erskine Analysis 

Brenda Emmanus OBE, Broadcaster, Journalist and Consultant 

Lilli Geissendorfer, Director, Theatre Green Book and Independent Consultant & Facilitator 

Dr. Paul Gilluley, Chief Medical Officer - NHS North East London Integrated Health System 

Anu Giri, Executive Director, English National Ballet 

Adem Holness, Head of Music SXSW London 

Claudia Kenyatta CBE, Director of Regions, Historic England 

Helen O'Donnell, Director of Development TalentWorks, BBC Studios 

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, Royal Borough of Greenwich 

Amanda Parker, (Co-Chair) Creative and Cultural Industries Consultant 

Martin Prendergast, Public Affairs and Partnerships Consultant 

Amaarah Roze, Independent Facilitator, Performer & Producer     

Freya Salway, Head of the Lab, Google Arts & Culture 

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries     

Tom Sleigh, (Co- Chair) Chair of Council at Goldsmiths, University of London, a leading creative university, and former Chair of the Barbican Arts Centre

Emma Squire CBE, Director of Regions, Historic England  

Dr. Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive Officer, BPI  

Nigel Twumasi, Co-Founder & Consultant, mayamada    

Deborah Williams OBE, Data Governance Coach and Futurist