Former CEO of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre, Julian Bird was awarded an OBE for services to theatre in the Kings New Years Honours.
Eleanor Lloyd, President of SOLT and UK Theatre Presidents Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist said: “All of us at SOLT and UK Theatre offer our congratulations to Julian. It’s a great recognition of all that he achieved as CEO of our organisations, particularly during the difficulties of the Covid pandemic.”Julian Bird, CEO November 2010 to May 2022 commented that he was “extremely honoured, delighted, and grateful to the many people that I have worked with since I joined SOLT and UK Theatre in 2010. Much has changed in that time, and the pandemic led to even more change, but it never stopped being a privilege to both advocate for the theatre and arts, and to lead the amazing team at the organisations. This OBE caps a remarkable few years, and I thank everyone who has played a role in my life and career.”Prolific producer and multi Olivier Award winner Sonia Friedman was also awarded a CBE for her services to theatre. Sonia produces multiple productions in the West End and around the world and is a member of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre.