Lyric Theatre welcomes new Board Members

Ann McGregor MBE DL DSc (Econ) is an accomplished CEO, NED and Chair with extensive experience in private sector businesses, education and third sector organisations. Ann has direct experience at C Executive and Non-Executive Director (NED) level in all aspects of business development from strategy to implementation and has a proven track record for business improvement.

In 2023 she was awarded a Doctor of Science in Economics (honoris causa) for Services to Business and Commerce from the Queen’s University, Belfast. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s diamond jubilee birthday honours list, in recognition of service to small business development and enterprise.

Ann was formerly Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Executive of Enterprise NI and a director with Business in the Community. She commenced her career in the private sector working in production/materials management with Roche Manufacturing, Schering Plough and Bird’s General Foods before moving into local economic development.

Ann is currently a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for Belfast supporting the work of the Lord Lieutenant who represents HRH King Charles III in the area, a Director, Company Secretary and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee with the Simon Community and a member of the finance committee at Ulster Rugby.

“I am delighted to join the board of the Lyric and feel privileged to have the opportunity to support the chairman Sir Bruce Robinson, theatre director Jimmy Fay and the wider team as they continue to grow and develop the theatre and widen participation in the arts. As a producing theatre, the Lyric is world class already but the Lyric team has even more ambitious growth plans especially for widening participation. I look forward to using my business expertise to support them in this ambition.” Ann McGregor

Eoin McMullan is a Chartered Accountant and a prominent figure in the academic and business communities of Northern Ireland. He is a Partner at Hill Vellacott, a leading professional services firm, based in Belfast.

Eoin is also deeply involved with Queen’s University Belfast, where he serves as a member of the Senate and Chair of Convocation. Eoin is also a non-executive director at QUBIS Ltd, where he chairs both the Audit & Risk and Sustainability committees.

Prior to accountancy Eoin spend a number of years in the live events industry, across both technical and management roles, an interest he continues today working professionally through Hill Vellacott with clients in the creative arts sector.

“I am honoured to join the board of the Lyric Theatre Belfast. This institution has a rich history of fostering creativity and bringing exceptional performances to our community. I look forward to contributing to its continued success and supporting its mission to inspire and engage audiences through the arts.” Eoin McMullan

Speaking about the appointments, Chair of the Lyric Theatre Sir Bruce Robinson said:

“We are very pleased to welcome Ann and Eoin to the Board. The Lyric under Jimmy’s leadership has become a hub for creativity and innovation - nurturing new writing and talent. Two of our productions Good Vibrations and Agreement have been staged to great acclaim in New York. Ann and Eoin have extensive experience in taking the best of Northern Ireland out into the world. I have no doubt that their expertise will be of great value to the Lyric as it continues to develop.”

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer at the Lyric Theatre added:

“I am delighted to welcome Ann and Eoin to the Lyric board and look forward to working closely with them for the good of the Lyric and our culture sector. Ann and Eoin bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight to help us navigate the next few years.”