After Fifteen Years at CentreStage, Paul is Ready for his Next Challenge.

Paul Mathieson will be stepping down as CEO after leading the organisation through the Covid pandemic and the regeneration of the former Kilmarnock Academy.

Paul launched CentreStage in 2006 with Co-Founder, Fiona McKenzie. After meeting at Grange Academy where they were both secondary teachers, Paul and Fiona decided to leave education and converted a commercial warehouse in Kilmarnock into CentreStage. Over the past 15 years, Paul has worked tirelessly to grow and build the charity culminating in the opening of our new home in August 2021. Now that the regeneration works are completed, Paul is ready for his next challenge.

Paul Mathieson, CentreStage, Co-Founder and CEO, ”When Fiona and I founded CentreStage in 2006 we never could have imagined what would be achieved. There have been many challenges along the way; yet full of incredible moments and highlights that have helped so many in our community. Leading the organisation through such a pivotal time these past two years has certainly been my biggest challenge and also has been my absolute privilege.

As Co-Founder, I will always be on hand to support CentreStage, but I believe that now is the correct time to hand the reins over and allow the organisation to embark on its next chapter. I can’t wait to see what CentreStage will achieve in the months and years to come. The potential is overwhelming, and I know it will be fantastic. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this amazing journey.”

CentreStage Chair, Eleanor McLaren, ”It has been my privilege and joy as Chair to work alongside both our remarkable Founders in their roles as CEO of CentreStage. We are so grateful for Paul’s leadership over the past two years and in particular his vision and creativity in driving forward the regeneration of the Academy site, whilst simultaneously navigating the operational challenges of the pandemic. Imaginative and welcoming throughout, the building stands testament to Paul’s ingenuity in achieving inclusion by its design. 

We look forward with great hope to all that CentreStage can deliver through the building in putting the arts right at the heart of our communities providing aspirational opportunities for all. Paul will always be a part of CentreStage and we wish him all the very best in whatever he achieves next.”

Prior to leaving the organisation at the end of January 2022, Paul will support the CentreStage Board of Trustees with the recruitment process and work with Co-Founder, Fiona McKenzie and Senior Management Team to ensure a full handover for the new CEO who will lead the organisation in 2022 and beyond.