Hannah Matterson takes over as CEO of Generator

North East music, digital and creative agency Generator has a new CEO, following the departure of Jim Mawdsley last year.

Appointed to the role in February, Hannah Matterson has started work this week in the most unusual circumstances.

Hannah has a strong pedigree in the region’s grassroots music scene, having started her career at The Bunker recording studio and practice rooms in Sunderland.

She then went on to running music festivals as well as working with Sunderland’s Music, Arts and Culture Trust on the redevelopment of the cultural quarter in the city.

After working on Sunderland’s bid to be the next UK City of Culture in 2021, Hannah spent time at Sage Gateshead and then Manchester Metropolitan University working on innovation projects.

Speaking about her journey to date, Hannah said: “All the way through, my career has been about fundraising and partnerships, and that is what I love doing the most.

“You can only really do your best work if you care about it, and there aren’t a lot of opportunities like this – the things that Generator does, the help it provides, support, and working with so many different people, I couldn’t pass up on it.

“I love the North East and to get to work regionally is a big thing for me. I want to do stuff that shows a real impact, and I think Generator has the potential to do that.

“It also felt like the right time for a woman to come into this kind of role and lead an organisation that works in two sectors that are predominately male led.

“I want to come in and be that role model for young people in the region to show that this kind of role is absolutely achievable. It is not out of anyone’s reach.”

On her vision for Generator going forward, Hannah added: “I want Generator to be a very inclusive and engaging agency for the North East.

“Whether that is working with businesses and individuals in the tech sector, or working with artists and bands in music, what I want us to be able to do is provide good service and good quality help and support to people in those sectors.

“In the next 12 months, it’s really about establishing new, exciting and innovative programmes.

“Hopefully, more and more people will engage with what we are trying to do over that period as they get to know me and the team, and how we work.”