Joanna is Principal and Chief Executive of LAMDA. A theatre director by profession and previously Artistic Director of Salisbury Playhouse, Joanna took up the position at LAMDA in July 2010 with a brief to raise the international artistic and education profile of the Academy. Under her leadership, the organisation embarked upon a successful £28.2 million capital programme to build 10 rehearsals studios, two theatres and a TV suite for LAMDA, which was completed in summer 2017.
She has developed international relationships for the Academy, increased the touring work of the school, forging relationships with City College New York, UCLA, Moscow Arts Theatre School amongst others.
Prior to LAMDA she was Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Salisbury Playhouse. Under her leadership, the Playhouse became one of the leading regional producing theatres of the last decade. She is currently a Board member of the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme, Arts Council of England, NPO Sector Support Agency, is President of Guildford Shakespeare Company and is an external Examiner for the LIR Theatre Academy, Trinity College Dublin.