Maria Jane Balshaw CBE is director of the Tate art museums and galleries. The appointment was confirmed by the UK Prime Minister on 16 January 2017, making her the first female director of the Tate.
Balshaw has been director of the Whitworth, University of Manchester and also of Manchester City Galleries, which includes Manchester Art Gallery and Gallery of Costume. Until May 2017 she was Director of Culture for Manchester City Council. Balshaw also serves on the National Council of the Arts Council England.
On 12 June 2015 Balshaw was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in the Queen's birthday honours list, for Services to the Arts.