Bush Theatre has appointed Krishnendu Majumdar as its new Chair of Trustees, succeeding Uzma Hassan after five years in the role.

Majumdar, an award-winning film and television producer, previously became the first person of colour to chair BAFTA. The theatre said his 25 years of industry experience and longstanding passion for theatre would support its mission to champion diverse and groundbreaking new work.

Speaking about the appointment, Majumdar said: “I am delighted and honoured to be announced as the new Chair of the Bush Theatre.

“A distinctly local voice with a resonant national impact; that is the Bush I’ve long admired, and I have come to help take that mission to new heights.”

Majumdar co-founded Me+You Productions alongside Richard Yee. The company’s credits include Close to You, starring Elliot Page, and Alice & Jack, starring Domhnall Gleeson. He also produced I Am, directed by Dominic Savage, for Channel 4.

The feature-length instalment I Am Ruth, starring Kate Winslet, won two BAFTAs and two Royal Television Society Awards. The latest chapter in the series, I Am Helen, featuring Nicola Coughlan and Joe Cole, is due to air later this year.

Majumdar stepped down as BAFTA chair in June 2023 after a three-year term in which he oversaw significant reforms, including the “BAFTA 2020 Review”, which introduced more than 120 changes to the organisation’s awards campaigning, voting processes and membership structure.

His previous industry roles include board positions at Directors UK and Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT). He has also been named five times in Variety’s V500 list of the entertainment industry’s most influential business leaders.

Neil Darlison, Director of Theatre at Arts Council England, welcomed the appointment, saying: “The Bush is a vital part of London’s theatre landscape, and we are delighted to welcome Krishnendu Majumdar as its new Chair.”