We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director | July 2025
We are delighted to welcome our new Executive Director, Joint CEO, Susanne Hasselmann.
After six years with StoneCrabs, we are bidding a fond farewell to Fabio Santos, MBE, our outgoing Executive Director. The Board of Trustees has expressed their gratitude to Fabio and particularly noted his commitment during the tough times over COVID and his success in raising much-needed funds over the last year.
A wealth of experience
Susanne Hasselmann brings a wealth of experience to StoneCrabs. She is a visionary charity leader with many years of board-level experience in executive and non-executive/trustee roles in the private, NHS, and not-for-profit sectors.
Stepping down as ED at Chapel Arts
Susanne recently stepped down as Executive Director at Chapel Arts Studio where she led the transformation of the arts charity and NPO and oversaw the development and implementation of a 5-year strategy, including the launch of a local Arts Centre, a National Saturday Club offer, an arts education programme, several Arts Council NPO rounds and the establishment of appropriate governance, systems, and processes.
Wonderful challenge ahead
Susanne said:
“I am incredibly excited to be joining StoneCrabs Theatre at this stage in its journey and help the Board reshape and future proof the organisation. It’s a wonderful challenge and being able to come to the Isle of Wight and see its beauty as part of the job makes this the perfect role. I am very much looking forward to meeting all our artists, volunteers, participants and partners.”
Fabio Santos added:
“After 6 years, it is time for me to pass on the baton, and I am delighted that StoneCrabs has appointed Susanne as the new Executive Director – Joint CEO of this incredible organisation. Following on the purpose to continue to establish StoneCrabs as a local-global company, no one is better than Susanne to work alongside Franko to lead StoneCrabs through the next challenges and opportunities.”
Expanding its roots
Fabio continues: “As the company builds on its past successes, further establishes and expands its roots within the Isle of Wight, nurtures the next generation of diverse theatre makers and continues developing socially impactful work with and for audiences on the Isle of Wight, the UK and the World, I will be watching with excitement the next chapters of development. And I invite you all to welcome Susanne into her new role, and to wish her all the best in the challenges ahead, for the road to success is where they seem to abound.”
Truly inspirational times
Franko Figueiredo – Artistic Director said:
“I’m very grateful to Fabio for guiding us through incredibly tough times. He joined us just four months before we went into lockdown, and I’m sure the board and my colleagues will agree that his wisdom, kindness, and inclusiveness have been truly inspirational. Fabio led the charity with heart and determination, and thanks to his leadership, we not only survived but emerged stronger despite the challenges. I now look forward to working with Susanne, who I’m confident will bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our work.”
Great benefit
Malcolm Marshal – Chair of the Board said:
“I’m thrilled to welcome Susanne to the StoneCrabs family. She brings a brilliant combination of management and leadership skills in the arts, commercial and health sectors which will greatly benefit our charity and our beneficiaries. Welcome!”