Makerversity appoints new Managing Director and London General Manager

The UK’s most iconic maker membership community Makerversity, headquartered at Somerset House London, has promoted Krisi Hayman from London Director to Managing Director across all Makerversity operations with immediate effect. Her remit will be to take operational responsibility for Makerversity and to work with the recently appointed global CEO Fiona Dent to develop Makerversity’s strategic growth initiatives, cultural and educational impact.

Krisi joined Makerversity in October 2014 as Studio and Events Manager and has made a massive contribution to Makerversity’s community and its success. She subsequently became London General Manager in 2016 and London Board Director in 2017. Krisi currently leads all London and special projects. She will now expand her role to help drive the success of the entire Makerversity business. Prior to joining Makerversity Krisi graduated from Falmouth University with a degree in Creative Events Management. She subsequently held a number of roles in cultural programming, space making and production in Falmouth before moving to London and continuing her career at Makerversity.

Makerversity CEO Fiona Dent said “I am absolutely delighted to announce Krisi’s promotion to Managing Director across all Makerversity’s operations. In the short space of time we have worked together it is clear to me that her passion for Makerversity’s community, talent and energy are immense. This promotion is richly deserved and I really look forward to continuing the collaboration we have begun to grow Makerversity.”

New Makerversity Managing Director Krisi Hayman said “I am really excited to take on the challenge of this new role and to continue to work with the wonderful Makerversity team to develop and deliver our growth initiatives alongside our continued cultural and educational impact.

I am also so pleased to announce Esther Ellard’s promotion to General Manager at Makerversity Somerset House. I’ve been working closely with Esther for the past two years and am continually inspired by her ability to manage and curate our incredible creative communities with professionalism, expertise and fun. Esther is such a joy to work with and I am excited to continue to work with her to grow our vibrant and diverse membership community.”

Esther, currently Makerversity Community Manager, Somerset House graduated from Central St Martins with a degree in Graphic Design and joined Makerversity as an Under 25 member before becoming part of the team in 2016. Since then she has curated a thriving community and introduced a number of initiatives to support Makerversity members, including the Makerversity Working Lunches series. She continues to develop and lead design & making workshops in her own right.

Esther Ellard, new General Manager of Makerversity London said, “I’m looking forward to taking the next step, both for myself and for Makerversity, in contributing to one of the most supportive and innovative co-making spaces in London.”

Makerversity co-founder Tom Tobia said, “We’ve been incredibly lucky to have Krisi and Esther as instrumental members of the Makerversity crew to this point. They have both smashed it since day one. We’re particularly proud of the journey Esther has taken with us, joining Makerversity as part of our free U25 membership programme before becoming part of Makerversity itself.

Makerversity was established to nurture and support best creative, practical and entrepreneurial minds, helping them to fulfill their potential. This applies as much to our Makerversity colleagues as it does to our members and it’s awesome that Esther and Krisi will be continuing to grow with us.”