Anne Wong-Erven takes up the new role of General Manager and joins the Executive Leadership team to help us deliver our ambition and plans for the future. Anne will be working across the organisation on business and resource development and share the responsibility and leadership of the organisation.

Prior to joining Watershed, Anne gained extensive experience in the food and drink industry in roles ranging from project leader to business developer in a variety of disciplines including supply chain, marketing and commercial consulting.

Anne says:

“I am delighted to have joined the Watershed team and look forward to helping ensure our vision and ambitions are delivered. Having moved to Bristol five years ago, Watershed has always been a part of my Bristol life. It is such a welcoming space and truly represents Bristol’s diverse community. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to its continued growth and success.”

We also welcome Sharmaine Lovegrove and Parys Gardener who join the Watershed Trustees as part of our ongoing review of governance to ensure that the Board is reflective of the business and cultural needs of the organisation and the people we serve.

Sharmaine is the Publisher of Dialogue Books, the UK’s only inclusive imprint, which is part of Little Brown Book Group and Hachette UK. Sharmaine made her home in Bristol and has worked in public relations, bookselling, events management and TV scouting. She used to be the literary editor of ELLE, and set up her own bookshop and creative agency when living in Berlin.

Parys joins us as part of Rising’s On Board scheme – which supports young people to get involved in the governance of organisations that work with them. Parys is an award-winning digital illustrator whose passion is increasing the visibility of Women of Colour and empowering them to feel seen and represented. She is also passionate about Bristol and finding ways to support, nurture and celebrate homegrown talent from all backgrounds. Alongside her creative business she brings hospitality experience having assisted in the running of a successful family-owned pub and nightlife establishment since the age of 16.

Clare Reddington, Watershed CEO said

“Welcoming Anne, Sharmaine and Parys to the Watershed team makes me extremely happy. It is such an exciting time for us – with the expansion of our building, the continued growth of our audiences and a real commitment to inclusive development – having the right guidance, capacity and skills in place is crucial to ensure we continue to flourish. They join an established team and board who are committed and inspired to deliver real impact for Bristol”

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