Nazir Afzal named chair of Salford’s Lowry

Former chief crown prosecutor Nazir Afzal has been appointed chair of the Lowry in Salford.

Afzal, who is already a trustee of the Greater Manchester theatre, will assume the role of chair in December, succeeding Rod Aldridge. 

Formerly the chief crown prosecutor for North West England, Afzal is currently chief executive of the country’s Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, chancellor of the University of Manchester and chair of the Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Standard’s Agency.

He is also a trustee of Women of the World Foundation and patron of nine female-led non-governmental organisations supporting victims of crime.

“What drew me to the Lowry is the innate sense of belonging it instils in the people that walk through its doors,” Afzal said. “I am blown away by the impact that the Lowry has had on the local community, and believe wholeheartedly in its potential to take this even further.

“My driving ambition as chair is to find ways for even more people to experience that feeling of community. The Lowry is a much-loved institution and it’s a great privilege to be a part of its next phase of growth as we reach its 25th year of operation.”

Julia Fawcett, chief executive of the Lowry, said she was “thrilled” at Afzal’s appointment, adding: “His lifelong advocacy for vulnerable and neglected communities aligns with our own mission to empower underserved and excluded people from all backgrounds to experience culture, creativity and connection on their own terms.”