Two new non-executive directors have been appointed to the board at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Michael Laverty, chief executive of Advantage West Midlands, and Sara Fowler, senior partner Midlands, Ernst & Young, will take up their roles at the theatre’s annual general meeting next month. Meanwhile, deputy chairman Steve Wellings is stepping down after nearly 10 years’ service with the theatre.

Businessmen Mark Hales and Martin Guest have been appointed to the Hippodrome’s development board, which is responsible for fundraising activities including the Stage Appeal and is chaired by PwC’s Mark Smith.