An early love of theatre influenced Genista (Jenny) McIntosh's decision to joint the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1972 as theirÌýCasting Director.ÌýHer interest lay not in directing or performing, but in theatre management and in 1977 she moved on to Marmot Management whereÌýshe looked after writers, directors andÌýdesigners.Ìý In the mid-80s sheÌýreturned to the RSC, where she remained until 1990 whenÌýshe took up the job ofÌýExecutive Director of the Royal National Theatre.
She hit the headlines in May 1997 when she resigned as the Chief Executive at the Royal Opera House after only 5 months, because of ill-health. Later that year she returned toÌýherÌýfirst love, the stage, as Executive DirectorÌýof the National Theatre a position she held until 2003 when sheÌýbecome Principal of Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
In 1999 she was created a Life Peer, taking the title Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall.
