Barbican CEO quits after only two years in post

CLAIRE SPENCER has announced her resignation as CEO of the Barbican Centre after just over two years in the role.

Writing on LinkedIn, Spencer, the organisation's first CEO, said she had not made the decision lightly but believed it was time to hand over to someone with “fresh legs”.

"Joining the Barbican has been one of the great privileges of my career, and I have given it my all," wrote Spencer. 

 "Together with the Barbican team, we have walked through a period of significant change, creating positive momentum of systemic transformation," she continued, adding that strategies on sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion had resulted in "a different Barbican Centre than the one that emerged after the pandemic".

Previously based in Australia, Spencer was Arts Centre Melbourne's CEO from 2014 until 2022 and has also worked with the Sydney Opera House. Her appointment at Barbican was part of a complete company restructuring following the retirement of managing director NICHOLAS KENYON.

Kenyon resigned two weeks after staff went public about their experiences of an alleged culture of racism at the centre, a move Barbican said was delayed due to the pandemic and unrelated to the testimonies. 

Chair of the Barbican Centre, WILLIAM RUSSELL said the board will observe a “period of reflection” before beginning the recruitment process for Spencer's successor.

In the meantime, DAVID FARNSWORTH, interim CEO, will continue in post supported by interim deputy CEO ALI MIRZA. Barbican declined to confirm how long Farnsworth had been in the role.

Farnsworth is the Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation, which is operated by the City of London Corporation. That Corporation is also the owner, founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre.

Russell thanked the Foundation for covering Farnsworth's absence. He also paid tribute to Spencer’s contribution to the Barbican and the wider City of London Corporation in helping the organisation reopen, recover and reestablish itself following the disruption of the pandemic.

“As a leader, Claire has always been clear-sighted and determined to do the absolute best for the Barbican whilst also being deeply empathetic and inclusive, and most of all, great fun.

“She has brought leadership and focus to the equity, diversity and inclusion agenda, recognising that the Barbican's legacy on this issue required tangible action and commitment to change. 

“I know I speak for many at the Barbican and across the City Corporation, as well as for myself, when I say she will be a much-missed colleague.”