A FORMER investment banker has been appointed chairman of trustees at Oxford Playhouse.

Elizabeth Paris, pictured, a former managing director at Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan, is also an associate fellow at Oxford University’s Said Business School, a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and chairman of Didcot Garden Town Growth Board.

As a charity, the board of 13 is responsible for the Playhouse meeting its remit and overseeing spending.

Ms Paris has taken over from Danby Bloch, who served as chairman of the trustees for the past eight years.

Her relevant previous experience includes nine years on the board of the Crafts Council and nine years as a governor of the educational group Activate Learning.

Playhouse director Louise Chantal said: “Elizabeth brings a wealth of business and finance experience to the Playhouse, coupled with a real passion for the arts and Oxfordshire.

“Her appointment marks an exciting time for the Playhouse as she takes over from Danby, who has contributed so much over the last eight years.”

Ms Paris will serve an initial four-year term as chairman.

Three other trustees have also been appointed to serve for four years: development consultant Moss Cooper, business and IT expert Warwick Hampden-Woodfall and Andrew Parker, currently domestic bursar of Somerville College and former director of finance and administration at the Royal Shakespeare Company.