We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Anna Williams as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees, succeeding Prue Skene CBE, who has led the charity since 2016.
Anna is currently Interim CEO at Aesop Arts and Society Ltd. Before that, she spent nearly 30 years at Birmingham Royal Ballet, in various leadership roles. Anna brings with her a wealth of experience in the arts and social sectors.
Anna Williams said: "I am honoured and delighted to have been asked to join the Board of Cardboard Citizens as Chair. After more than 30 years of working in arts, my belief in the power of stories and story telling remains undimmed. Stories not only hold communities and cultures together but help people to cross lines and see the world differently. This is why companies like Cardboard Citizens, that champion the voice and expression of Artists who are underrepresented and often unheard, are vital in our cultural ecology. I am excited about working with the Board, Lisa, Chris and the whole Cardboard Citizens team and community to amplify this voice and tell new stories. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome."
Joining Anna on our Board is Mete Akkemik, Vice President in Strategic Business Operations for Capital Group, a long-standing corporate supporter of Citz. Mete first connected with Citz over a decade ago through one of our interactive, all-day workshops for Capital Group. Since then, he has volunteered his professional skills to support the development of Cardboard Citizens’ finance systems, as well as attending performances and participating in its fundraising efforts.
Mete Akkemik said: "I feel privileged and delighted to join the Board and the Finance Committee of Cardboard Citizens. I look forward to contributing to the strategic direction and future evolution of the organisation."
Anna and Mete now join our current Trustees: Chris Bull, Ayesha Casely-Hayford, Charlie Josephine, Ajeet Jugnauth, Claire Matthews, Jenique McNaught (co-Vice Chair), and Matthew Xia (co-Vice Chair).
Thank You to Prue Skene
We are deeply grateful to Prue Skene, who has played a pivotal role in shaping Cardboard Citizens since 2016. Under her leadership, we appointed our first Artistic Director with lived experience of homelessness. Chris Sonnex’s appointment in 2021 marked the start of a new era, bringing a bold and reimagined programme of creative opportunities by and for people experiencing poverty, inequity, and homelessness.
Prue Skene said: "It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chair of Cardboard Citizens, an organisation that holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact it has—supporting people experiencing homelessness, providing not just a voice but a platform for change. Thank you to all the Members, my fellow Trustees, the staff team, and everyone who has supported us along the way—you are the driving force at Citz. As I pass the baton to Anna, I do so with confidence, knowing that Cardboard Citizens is in such capable hands. The future is bright, and I’m excited to see how the leadership will continue to inspire innovation and progress.”
Lisa Briscoe, Executive Director & Joint CEO of Cardboard Citizens, added: On behalf of the entire team, we extend our deepest gratitude to Prue for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment over the past decade. Through times of change and challenge, she has been an absolute rock—steady, inspiring, and steadfast in her dedication to our mission. Her vision and tireless efforts have not only guided our progress but have also been a source of inspiration for the leadership team and the entire board. We are profoundly grateful for her invaluable contributions and wish her all the best in her next chapter. The incredible legacy she leaves behind will continue to guide us."
We’re excited for what’s ahead as Anna and Mete join our Board, and we extend a warm welcome to them both.
Learn more about our new appointees and the rest of our Board here.
