Alan Bishop
Alan John Bishop CBE is a leader in the creative industries, a former Chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi and a former Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre. He was awarded the CBE for for services to Leadership in the Creative Industries in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026.[1][2]
Career
After studying at Oxford University, Bishop began his career as a founding partner at advertising agency Milton Sharam Gottlieb, followed by senior roles at Foote Cone & Belding and Saatchi & Saatchi, where he ultimately became Chairman in both London and New York. During his tenure at Saatchi & Saatchi, Bishop led the visual communications strategy for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement Yes Campaign, including a series of posters and public messages using British road signs (such as a "one-way street" symbolizing the Agreement and a "no through road" for a 'No' vote).
Between 2003 and 2008 Bishop served as Chief Executive of the Central Office of Information (COI), the UK government’s marketing and communications department[3], where he led major public campaigns such as the Government News Network, and DirectGov (now Gov.uk). He also served as Acting Head of Profession for Government Communications.
Bishop was Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts centre,[4] from 2009 to 2017. In this role Bishop launched festivals including WOW: Women of the World and the annual South Asian dance and music festival Alchemy. He also oversaw the £35 million restoration[5][6] of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Hayward Gallery, and Purcell Room.[7]
In July 2019 Alan joined the Creative Industries Federation (CIF) as Chief Executive.[8] Under his leadership, CIF published the "Public Investment, Public Gain"[9] report, highlighting how public funding in the arts generates significant economic value across the creative industries.
From 2018 to 2026, Bishop served as Chair of the Board of Governors at The Place (London Contemporary Dance School). Bishop was also a trustee of Manchester International Festival (now Factory International) from 2017 to 2025.
Honours and awards
Bishop was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 Birthday Honours for services to Leadership in the Creative Industries.
References
- ↑ "The London Gazette | The Gazette". www.thegazette.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
- ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-kings-birthday-honours-list-2026/birthday-honours-list-2026-pm-list-transparency-data-html--2
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/23/marketingandpr-advertising
- ↑ Higgins, Charlotte (2008-10-29). "Southbank names ad man as boss". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/mar/06/southbank-centre-redevelopment
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/nov/12/southbank-centre-festival-british-history-general-election
- ↑ "Alan Bishop announces retirement from Southbank Centre - International Arts Manager". 2016-11-04. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
- ↑ "Former Saatchis chairman Alan Bishop takes helm at Creative Industries Federation". www.campaignlive.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
- ↑ "Public Investment, Public Gain" (PDF). Retrieved June 24, 2026.
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