The Chapter of Southwark Cathedral is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Smith as the new Chief Operating Officer.

Paul is currently Director of Enterprise at Liverpool Cathedral where he has led the Cathedral’s commercial and cultural activities since 2016. Paul will play a central role in delivering the Chapter’s strategy and plans, managing its day-to-day operations, and nurturing its unique character and vision.

The Very Rev’d Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark says, ‘I am delighted to welcome Paul to the Cathedral community. He brings a real wealth of experience to the role of Chief Operating Officer, as well as a passionate commitment to a Cathedral’s worshipping life and its engagement with visitors through the arts, enterprises and programming. We really look forward to getting to know Paul, Rachel, and the family, as Paul commits himself to the future of the Cathedral’s life and witness.’

Speaking about his appointment Paul says, “I’m delighted to be joining Southwark Cathedral as the new Chief Operating Officer. Southwark Cathedral is a place very close to my heart, having visited many times over the last thirty years.  

In a professional capacity too, the world of English cathedrals is well known to me, as I’ve been Liverpool Cathedral's Director of Enterprise for the last eight years. In that time, I’ve spent a lot of time working with colleagues, across a range of cathedrals, as a Peer Reviewer and Liverpool’s representative on CAFA and the AEC. Prior to my cathedral life, I managed communications, marketing and public affairs in broadcasting/media and trade associations, based in London and Manchester. 

I’ve been married to Rachel for 25 years and we have two children: Evie and Michael (known to everyone as Mickey). I look forward to meeting everyone at this exciting point in Southwark’s history, as we work together to deliver the Cathedral’s renewed vision.”

Paul will take up his role as Chief Operating Officer of Southwark Cathedral in September.