Cathedral appoints new chief operating officer

Peterborough Cathedral has appointed a new chief operating officer.

Jack Pishhorn will take over the role in January from Jan Armitage, who is stepping down after guiding the cathedral through a challenging financial period.

Mr Pishhorn is currently head of culture, tourism and heritage at the North Northamptonshire-based Chester House, where he has helped increase visitor numbers and commercial income.

The Very Reverend Chris Dalliston, the Dean of Peterborough, welcomed the appointment and said Mr Pishhorn's "leadership will help us build on the work that has begun to strengthen our financial resilience".

The cathedral continues to face serious financial pressures.

It currently costs about £7,000 a day or £2m a year to keep the cathedral open, with an estimated daily deficit of about £1,400, a spokesperson said.

Without significant intervention, the Norman cathedral is on track to record a loss of about £500,000 next year.

Earlier this year, it raised more than £300,000 through its Cathedral in Crisis campaign so it could remain open seven days a week without entrance fees.

However, the cathedral said strategic change was essential and new income streams, improved resilience and a more sustainable way of working were critical to safeguarding its future.

"Jack's appointment forms an important part of this transformation, to lead with renewed focus, creativity and commercial expertise to its operational and strategic leadership," the spokesperson said.

Dean Dalliston paid tribute to Ms Armitage, who had served the cathedral with "great dedication, wisdom and calm professionalism".

"We are deeply grateful for all she has given," he said.

Mr Pishhorn, who is from Peterborough, said: "The cathedral sits at the heart of our city's identity and I'm excited to support and lead the fantastic team already in place as we grow, develop and continue delivering excellence in everything we do.

"To secure a sustainable future, we must embrace a new way of working – one that is financially resilient, collaborative and ambitious in its vision.

"Together, we can build on Peterborough Cathedral's remarkable heritage and ensure it continues to inspire, serve and thrive for generations to come."

The Diocese of Peterborough includes Rutland, a large part of Northamptonshire and parts of Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.

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