Matt Risley, former MD of 4Studio, has resurfaced as chief digital officer at the National Theatre. Risley is one of five key appointments announced by the iconic arts institution as part of a commitment to “expanding its social mission and digital innovation”.
Risley will be the National Theatre’s first ever chief digital officer, building on the NT’s previous work. Over the past decade, the theatre has significantly expanded its digital and learning footprint, transforming how people across the UK and beyond engage with theatre. From pioneering NT Live cinema broadcasts, launching National Theatre at Home and the National Theatre Collection for schools, to delivering innovative, in-depth learning and skills programmes right across the UK, the National Theatre has made huge strides in widening access, deepening participation and nurturing talent.
Alongside Risley, the other appointments are: Yamin Choudury as director of learning and Debbie Weinstein, Baroness Beeban Kidron and Luke Bradley-Jones as trustees. Bradley-Jones, president and GM of The Economist, will become chair of the NT’s Digital Advisory Committee and will join the NT Board in July 2026.
The NT hopes the new appointments will help it achieve its ambition of reaching global audiences of 40 million by 2030. National Theatre chair, Damon Buffini said: “Reaching new audiences, and engaging them in meaningful ways, is at the heart of the National Theatre’s mission. These appointments will propel our ambition to place our social mission and digital innovation at the core of our work.”
An industry thought leader who has made regular appearances at the TellyCast Digital Content Forum, Risley helped establish Channel 4 as the leader in broadcaster-led social and YouTube strategy. Just before he left, the channel surpassed 1bn minutes viewed (completely organically, solely in the UK) across its YouTube portfolio in Q1.
