Worcester Theatres has announced the appointment of Jon Fraser as its new Chairman.

A lifelong supporter of theatre and the arts, Jon Fraser previously served on the management committee of the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster during the 1990s. Having joined the board of Worcester Theatres in 2024, he now takes on the role of Chairman and looks forward to leading the charity into its next chapter of success.

In addition to his new role, Jon Fraser is also a director of Worcestershire Ambassadors, an organisation dedicated to promoting Worcestershire as a great place to live, work, invest and visit. The group works in partnership with county organisations to strengthen local communities and raises funds annually in support of Worcestershire-based charities and not-for-profit organisations. He also serves on the committee of the Worcestershire branch of Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity that uses the sport of rugby to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people affected by disability, poverty or social exclusion.

Jon Fraser retired from Worcestershire County Council at the end of 2024 after 39 years of service, most recently serving as Worcestershire’s Highways Chief. He succeeds John ‘Muff’ Murfin who held the role of Chairman and is now retiring after 24 years of service. 

Jon Fraser, Chairman of Worcester Theatres said, “I am thrilled and honoured that the Board of Trustees has placed their belief in me and have elected me as Chairman of Worcester Theatres. I am enormously grateful to outgoing Chairman John ‘Muff' Murfin and Vice-Chair Roger Knight who leave the organisation in such great shape. I look forward to working closely with CEO Sarah-Jane Morgan and her team building on their successes, and I’m sure that we have a bright future ahead."

Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive & Artistic Director at Worcester Theatres said, “Jon regularly visited our venues before he became a board member, and I think this is really significant in his election as Chairman. It’s so important to work alongside someone who not only cares about an organisation and the staff but also someone that has a real connection, passion and knowledge of the venues and the work the Worcester Theatres team and I are achieving. 

Jon has a genuine passion for the arts and its success, which is sincere and from the heart, he will make an excellent Chaiman and I look forward to working with him as we continue to provide the city and wider county with two brilliant venues for our region.”