Rambert today announces that Dame Sue Street will step down as Chair of Rambert at the end of June 2026, after more than seven years in the role and coinciding with Rambert’s 100th birthday.

Dame Sue has led the Rambert board through a significant period of transformation, championing bold artistic choices and strategic innovation while ensuring strong governance, integrity, resilience and sustainability.

Throughout her tenure, Sue has provided strong and forward-looking leadership, guiding the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and enabling Rambert to respond with agility and ambition. Under Sue’s leadership, the board has supported Rambert in reaching new audiences, embracing digital opportunities, and shaping the environment in which major new work can thrive — expanding Rambert’s reach, deepening its cultural impact, and affirming its position as one of the UK’s most innovative contemporary dance companies.

Sue has brought a clarity of purpose, a depth of public service experience and a firm belief in the power of the arts to connect and inspire. She has worked closely with Helen Shute (Chief Executive & Executive Producer) and Benoit Swan Pouffer (Artistic Director) to build a strong leadership model and has helped the board evolve to meet the needs of a dynamic and future-facing company.

Helen Shute, Chief Executive & Executive Producer at Rambert, said:

“Sue is a trusted Chair whose wisdom, values and conviction have helped shape Rambert’s direction and success. She has empowered our leadership team and supported the board to play a crucial role in not just realising our ambitions but growing them. I look forward to another year of working with Sue as we look ahead to Rambert’s centenary in 2026 – there’s still more to come under her leadership.”

Benoit Swan Pouffer, Artistic Director at Rambert, said:

“Sue has been an extraordinary champion of Rambert’s artistic vision. She understands the courage it takes to innovate and her support has given us the freedom to take creative risks — knowing we had a Chair who truly believed in what bold dance can do. Her guidance has shaped not only the organisation but also the environment in which artists can thrive. I am deeply grateful for her trust, insight, and unwavering belief in the power of this company.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, said:

“The role of Chair of a National Portfolio Organisation is never straightforward, especially in a period marked by the pandemic and financial stress. Sue has been an exemplary Chair, renewing the Company’s commitment to excellence and strengthening the Board by adding new skills and morediverse experience. Her passion for contemporary dance and engagement with everyone in the Company has been an important ingredient of Rambert’s success in recent years.”

Dame Sue Street, Chair of Rambert, said:

“It is an honour to serve as Chair of Rambert, the oldest and boldest dance company in the UK, whose grace, creativity and breathtaking performances on stage under Benoit’s leadership are matched by an inspiring executive team led by Helen, upholding our core values of integrity, diversity and access to excellence. Rambert’s centenary next June will be the right moment for me to pass on the role of Chair to the fortunate person who will have the support of my exceptionally talented and dedicated Board of trustees.”

A search for a new Chair to lead the Rambert board and guide the executive team in driving the company’s next phase of strategic and creative growth is now underway.

More information on the role and how to express an interest in applying can be found here.