Andrew Bentley is a white, bald man. He is wearing a dark green zip zipped up. He is stood in a dark room, positioned to the right of the image. He has a slight smile and is looking into the camera.

Photo: Chester Storyhouse

Changing Faces

Chester Storyhouse Chief Executive steps down 

Robin Cantrill-Fenwick
1 min read

Founding CEO of Chester’s Storyhouse ANDREW BENTLEY is stepping down following a 17-year stint.

The arts building, which opened in 2007, houses a theatre, library, independent cinema, restaurant, rooftop bar, and regional open-air theatre. 

"Together with my previous artistic director, Alex Clifton and the team, we managed to build and create a true community space, a 'third space' outside home and work, and it is this I am most proud of," Bentley commented.

"My children have grown up in and around Storyhouse and it will continue to hold a very special place in myself and my family's hearts."

DAVID WATSON, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said Bentley’s leadership has ensured Storyhouse “cemented itself as a beacon of inspiration for many other cities and towns for the role it has played in social and economic regeneration”. 

He also thanked Bentley "for his outstanding contribution, and for leading the organisation with such energy, passion and resilience".

Bentley said it had been an "enormous privilege" to lead the charity but was "ready to make a change".

The search for Bentley’s successor is to begin imminently.