The Roundhouse has today announced the appointment of three dynamic and highly-accomplished experts from across music, performing arts and investment management as new Trustees.
Florencia Kassai, Natasha Mann and Kevin O’Hare CBE have all joined the Roundhouse Board ahead of an exciting period for the iconic Camden performance venue and creative cultural hub for young people.
Florencia is Managing Partner at mid-market private equity firm Inflexion, whose foundation has committed £13million, supported 59 charities and changed the lives of countless young people.
Natasha, currently operating as a creative consultant, brings a dedicated music focus having previously been Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Universal Music UK and Managing Director at Island Records.
Kevin is the Director of The Royal Ballet and widely respected for his leadership. As Director, he has put collaboration at the heart of The Royal Ballet, and whilst still respecting the Company’s heritage, commissioning many new works for the 21st century.
Florencia Kassai said: “I am thrilled to join the Roundhouse as a Trustee. I have always believed that the arts are essential – not just for artists, but for everyone. My personal connection to the arts, through performing with my school choir, demonstrated to me their transformative power from a young age. I am a firm believer that creative performance builds confidence, fosters team orientation, and engenders resilience – life skills that transcend public performance.
“The Roundhouse plays a vital role in helping young people develop these qualities, nurturing these tools to navigate life with thoughtful curiosity and creative boldness. I hope to bring a unique viewpoint to the Board. As an Argentine woman who has also lived in the US, Europe and the UK, I bring an international perspective.
“My career in finance has been built around a strategic and business-focused mindset, which I hope will help strengthen the Roundhouse’s commercial sustainability by ensuring the right, long-term financial structures are in place. In this way, I hope to contribute to the Roundhouse’s mission as a haven not only where talent is nurtured, but where life skills developed as well.”
Natasha Mann said: “Growing up in North London, the Roundhouse has always been a welcoming space and a vital cultural hub within the community for me, my family and friends and so I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Trustees. Its unique position as both an iconic music and arts venue, and also the UK’s leading creative centre for young people, makes it one of the most exciting and crucial organisations to support in the current landscape. With an ambitious vision for its future, that places supporting young diverse talent at its heart, I couldn’t be more delighted to get started.”
Kevin O’Hare said: “I am delighted to become a Trustee of the Roundhouse – a venue that has always felt very special to me. I first went to the Roundhouse in the 70s to see the mime artist, Nola Rae, and as a young ballet student I was in awe of the scale of the building but also the intimacy of performance that can be created in the space.
“Since that time, I have seen such a brilliant mixture of exciting performances, many that bring different art forms together and I have so enjoyed working with Marcus and the Roundhouse team when collaborating on different successful projects together.
“I am also particularly passionate about the education programmes, supporting young people in their journey towards a career in music – either centre stage or in the many varied aspects behind the scenes that make it all possible. I look forward to helping the team continue to grow the amazing work that the Roundhouse does.”
The appointment of Florencia, Natasha and Kevin as Trustees comes at a time when the Roundhouse is working with more young people than ever before, having engaged over 10,000 in 2024.
The iconic venue and creative cultural hub for young people is also gearing up for its brand-new, month-long festival celebrating music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts, podcasts Roundhouse Three Sixty, which is set to run throughout April.
Florencia, Natasha and Kevin each bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for the creative industries and supporting young people. They will officially begin their terms as trustees immediately.
