Theo Platt has been appointed as chief operating officer and chapter steward at Gloucester Cathedral. Now permanent, Theo has been carrying out this role on a temporary basis since December 2022, when former chief operating officer Emily MacKenzie moved to a new role at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Theo joined the Cathedral as development manager in 2011 and has held various responsibilities in the years since, including head of development and communications and deputy chief operating officer. He has been instrumental in several major moments in the Cathedral's history, including the delivery of the first phase of Project Pilgrim; this included the transformation of the car park into an open green space in the heart of the city, improved access and the conservation of the at-risk 15th century Lady Chapel. More recently, Theo helped to steer the Cathedral and its communities through the pandemic, ensuring it could be a welcoming and safe space for all.

This is the most senior non-ordained person in the Cathedral, supporting the Dean in the oversight and management of all operational aspects of the Cathedral's life, including staffing, property and financial functions. Theo's appointment comes as Gloucester Cathedral enters a hugely exciting period, with its ambitious In Tune organ and music campaign launched in June and with the 'Light Eternal' exhibition set to take place this October. The Cathedral's senior leadership team has had several other new additions in recent months, including The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni who was installed as Dean of Gloucester in April; in the new year, The Reverend Craig Huxley-Jones will also join the team as the Cathedral's Canon Precentor and director of congregational development.

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said: "I am delighted that the Cathedral Chapter has appointed Theo Platt as the permanent chief operating officer and chapter steward of Gloucester Cathedral. Theo has been a crucial part of the Cathedral team over the past 12 years in various roles, guiding us through some of the most exciting - and challenging - periods in our history. For this reason, I cannot think of anyone better suited to this role as we look joyfully to the future.

"As well as the considerable skill and experience that Theo has already brought to the interim role, his permanent appointment will add confidence and stability at a time that has seen much transition and change in the Cathedral's life."

Theo Platt said: "When I joined the Cathedral as development manager 12 years ago, I never could have imagined staying so long, but within a few weeks I had fallen in love with the place. There is something totally unique about Gloucester Cathedral which grabs you and doesn't let go.

"Yet, it's the people who make it the extraordinary place it is and it's the people who have made it such a joy to be part of over the last decade. Working alongside such a talented and dedicated team has been the privilege of my professional life, and as we begin an exciting new phase of the Cathedral's journey together, I couldn't be more honoured to have been appointed as chief operating officer."