Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival (MIF) and the city’s Aviva Studios, has appointed Paula Stringer as chief operating officer.
She joins John McGrath, artistic director and chief executive, Low Kee Hong, creative director, and Scott McVittie, chief commercial officer on the Factory International executive team.
Stringer has had a significant career in the arts and media and joins Factory International from her current role at BBC News where she is director of business. She brings senior leadership experience across broadcasting, live events and the charity sector, with a career focused on supporting creative ambition through strong, people-centred and sustainable ways of working. At BBC News, she leads business and production teams across a 24/7 global operation, working closely with editorial and creative leaders to support delivery at scale.
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Previously, Paula was chief executive of Christians Against Poverty, leading the organisation through significant change. Before that, she held senior operational roles at the BBC, including controller of production for BBC Sport, overseeing the delivery of major global events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon and the World Cup.
Based in Manchester for nearly 30 years, Paula has a deep connection to the city and a strong belief in the power of culture to bring people together, create opportunity and deliver lasting public value.
Chief exec McGrath said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Paula Stringer to the new role of Chief Operating Officer at Factory International. With a wealth of experience delivering extraordinary content in high-pressure environments, and leadership experience including true social purpose, she has an ideal combination of the values and knowledge we need as we enter the next stage of our development.”
Stringer added: “Factory International is a really special organisation — ambitious, creative and rooted in the North, with an influence and reputation that reaches far beyond it. The work it makes possible really matters, both culturally and socially, and is something that matters to me.
“I’m Northern born and bred and have spent the last three decades working in and around Manchester. Across that time, in broadcasting, charity and creative organisations, my work has focused on helping complex, creative environments deliver big ambitions with sustainability and with care. The chance to bring all of that experience together in a place that means a lot to me personally is an amazing opportunity.
“Most of all, I’m looking forward to working with the people at Factory International. The talent, commitment and creativity of the teams is clear, and I’m excited to listen, learn and work together to support brilliant work now and into the future.”
