Piers Ibbotson
Piers Ibbotson runs The Directing Creativity Programme, which was developed originally for The Royal Shakespeare Company with the support of Allied Domecq plc. The programme provides management development and consultancy for business using techniques and approaches from the world of theatre; with the dual objectives of enhancing business performance and developing closer links between industry and the arts. [For further background and information visit the Directing Creativity website.]
Piers trained originally as a scientist and worked in the oil industry for a number of years before entering the theatre in 1980. He had a successful career as a performer, working at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as making appearances in TV and film. In 1990 he became an Assistant Director with the Royal Shakespeare Company working alongside some of the best directing talent in the British theatre. It was this experience, observing the techniques and approaches of directors, working to tight deadlines with dynamic creative groups that began his interest in the transfer of skills from the Arts to Business.
He has worked with a range of companies including: WPP group, McKinsey and Co., OMD UK, Marks and Spencer, Tarmac, BP, 3M, The Body Shop, Origin UK, Hays plc, Arthur Andersen, The Defence Leadership Academy, The Department of Trade and Industry, National Health Service, Lever Faberge, and others. He is a contributor to courses at the London Business School, University of Nyenrode, Netherlands, Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, AESE, Lisbon and The Banff Centre in Canada. He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts and is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Kingston.
Piers is married with two young daughters and is also still actively involved in the theatre, conducting workshops, teaching and directing.
